§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that during the past year a considerable portion of the South African Constabulary has had its efficiency affected through want of horses, many men having to march on foot; and can he state what proportion of this force is at present unmounted.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I consulted General Baden-Powell, the Inspector General of the South African Constabulary, on this point while he was on leave, and he informed me that he did not consider that the deficiency in horses impaired the efficiency of the force, a large proportion of which is at present employed in garrisoning blockhouses. According to the last monthly slate received, the total number of all ranks was 9,316, and the total number of horses was 5,106—a rather higher proportion than when I discussed the matter with General Baden-Powell.