§ CAPTAIN KINCAID SMITH (Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon)To ask the Secretary of State for War what is the average cost to the State per horse supplied to officers as chargers, including upkeep, staff, stabling, etc.; and whether, considering the unsatisfactory results of this arrangement, he will consider the advisability of giving a grant of money to officers towards the cost of providing themselves with chargers.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The average price allowed in Estimates for the purchase of chargers is £65, and this sum covers the cost of purchase, and of the staff, upkeep, stabling, etc., before issue to the officer. The suggested grant of a sum of money to him to buy his own charger would not enable him to buy a horse as economically as under present arrangements, as he has not the same opportunities as an expert buyer, who purchases several horses at a time. Further, the Reports received from the different commands and units do not lead to the conclusion that the present arrangement is unsatisfactory.