§ SIR SAMUEL SCOTTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state by what method, other than by a complete census of all horses, County Associations will be able to supply satisfactory information respecting the number of horses suitable for Army purposes within their boundaries; whether the cost of making such a census will be defrayed out of Army funds, whether it will be a charge upon the limited funds already at the disposal of County Associations, or whether the Government expect expanses of travelling and inspection of horses to be paid out of the private purse of the person who agrees to carry out these duties.
§ MR. HALDANEIt is expected that the arrangements alluded to in the reply to the previous Questions will secure the required information. The question of making a special grant to the Associations in respect of the cost of obtaining this information is under consideration.
§ MR. CHAPLIN (Surrey, Wimbledon)Why cannot the Board of Agriculture do its own work and obtain a census of horses in the same way as it does of beasts, sheep and pigs, and other agricultural produce?
§ MR. HALDANEThe right hon. Gentleman might address that Question to the Board of Agriculture. I can only say that if we can assist in collating this information, which is very important to us, we shall only be too glad to do so.