§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it has been brought to his notice that a certain number of remounts foaled, either before embarkation for, during the voyage out, or within a month after arrival in South Africa; and whether he can furnish any explanation as to why mares in foal were purchased for the mounting of troops in the field.
§ MR. BRODRICKYes; in a very few cases it has been reported that this has occurred. It is well known that during the early months of pregnancy such cases may easily escape detection, and the disturbance caused by the sea voyage would in some cases cause premature delivery.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that mares rarely slip their foals except in an advanced stage of gestation? Is it not also the case that anyone experienced with animals can tell after six or seven months whether or not a mare is pregnant?
§ MR. BRODRICKYes, but these cases do occur in the course of a sea voyage.