HC Deb 20 October 1908 vol 194 c927
*CAPTAIN FABER

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state whether oats are issued in the same year as they are grown to horses in the Army; and, if so, at what particular date.

MR. HALDANE

Oats can be issued in the same year as they are grown to horses in the Army, provided that they comply with the contract specification which governs the quality. No particular date for the issue of oats is specified.

*CAPTAIN FABER

Is it not the fact that oats are not really fit to use before 1st January?

MR. HALDANE

That is a question for the Army Service Corps experts. They are better judges than I am.

*CAPTAIN FABER

Will the right hon. Gentleman urge the contractors not to issue damp oats as I am assured they are doing?

[The reply was inaudible.]