§ MR. MANSFIELD (Lincolnshire, Spalding)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has 420 completed his consideration in respect of the purchase of Army horses, and, if so, can he now state, and will he publish, particulars of age, size, description, and approximate price to be paid; and whether he will be able to concede a little in point of age to lighten the expense of the breeder in keeping horses from three to five years of age.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO; THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, WesthoughtonThe consideration of the various questions connected with the purchase of horses is not yet completed. The age, size and description will be given all possible publicity but it is not considered advisable to make known the price. As regards the last part of the Question, this point will, amongst others, be borne in mind.
§ MR. MANSFIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if he has been able to arrange with the War-Office to give information from time to time to agriculturists and stock breeders regarding the requirements of the Remount Departments, particularly with respect to such points as direct sale to War Office agents, the kind and age of animals required, and some indication of the price which may be expected.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. HANBURY,) PrestonYes, Sir, and a circular will very shortly be issued giving full information on these points.