HC Deb 15 July 1908 vol 192 cc836-7
SIR SAMUEL SCOTT (Marylebone, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, having regard to the importance of having a complete census taken of all suitable horses in the United Kingdom before any scheme with respect to the encouragement of horse-breeding for Army purposes is formulated, whether the Government propose to undertake such a census, and when.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. ACLAND, Yorkshire, Richmond)

It is hoped that the County Associations will be able to supply all the required information without resorting to a general census. The Government do not, therefore, propose to consider the question of taking such a census until the Associations have been proved to be unable to produce the in formation.

MR. CHAPLIN (Surrey, Wimbledon)

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what means the County Associations have of obtaining this information?

MR. ACLAND

The matter is new to them. We have had a considerable number of communications from them as to their willingness to do all they can to furnish us with information as to the number of horses available.

MR. CHAPLIN

Do they hold out any hope that they will be able to supply the Government with an effective census?

MR. ACLAND

That will be a matter of experience. I think it is only natural that we should see what we can get from the Associations.

MR. CHAPLIN

Will not the Government reconsider their decision and attempt themselves to get this very necessary information?

MR. ACLAND

I think it would be better to wait and see what the County Associations can do.

SIR SAMUEL SCOTT

Will the Government make any grant towards the expenses of the County Association in carrying this out?

MR. CLYNES (Manchester, N.E.)

Have the War Office received any complaints from those who lent horses to the War Office for camping purposes that they experienced great delay in securing payment?

MR. ACLAND

That hardly arises out of the Question on the Paper.