§ MR. MANSFIELD (Lincolnshire, Spalding)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Agent General of New South Wales offered the Remount Department or the War Office from 1,000 to 3,000 suitable horses at about sixteen guineas for a cavalry horse, thirty guineas for an artillery horse, and twelve guineas for a horse for mounted infantry; and, if so, what reply was sent to him, and how many horses purchased.
LORD STANLEYThe offer was made as stated in the Question in August, 1900, and on the 17th of that month a reply was sent to the effect that only a small number of animals were being purchased in Australia at that time, and those for the Indian Government; but the offer was communicated to the Remount Officer in Australia, who was directed to put himself in communication with Mr. Willis in view of the further supply which might be required.