HC Deb 14 March 1902 vol 105 c35
MR. MANSFIELD (Lincolnshire, Spalding)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will state in what respect the horses recently offered at Spalding were unsuitable, and whether many were rejected because they were not quite six years old; also, is he aware that a horse whose age was thirty-five years has just been purchased at Colchester for Army purposes; and whether, on the face of the uncertainty prevailing in agricultural districts as to the requirements of the War Office, he will state the maximum and minimum age that will pass inspection, and also publish full information of other conditions insisted upon.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

Of the horses offered at Spalding many were under five years old, and therefore too young, some were to big; others were rejected for unsoundness or malformation. The officer concerned advertised his intended visit and stated the ages and sizes of the horses required. No horse thirty-five years old has been purchased for the Army. The animal most suitable for present requirements is the compact weight-carrying cob, age six to nine years, and height 14–2 to 15–1 hands.