§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information of the number of horses fit for cavalry work in the United Kingdom, and how does the number of such animals compare with the needs of the Army; and whether any steps are contemplated for encouraging the breeding of horses suitable for the requirements of the Army in Ireland and in other parts of the United Kingdom.
§ MR. HALDANEWithout a proper census it is impossible to give exact figures, but from information obtained it may be taken that approximately there are 150,000 riding horses in the United Kingdom. The total number, in addition to existing establishments, of riding horses required to mobilise the expeditionary force and Territorial Force is 59,796 of which 30,770 are required for cavalry alone. As regards the last part of the Question, the question is being fully considered by the Board of Agriculture in concert with the War Office.