HC Deb 28 April 1909 vol 4 cc338-9
Mr. STAVELEY-HILL

I wish to ask the Secretary of State for War how many of the Field Artillery batteries which practised on Salisbury Plain in 1908 were up to the strength in draught horses; and whether, in order to practise such batteries as six-gun batteries with a first line of wagons, the whole of the draught horses of the two other batteries were required?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

In reply to the first part of the question, it is understood that all the batteries were approximately up to strength in draught horses. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Mr. STAVELEY-HILL

also asked whether, in support of Horse Artillery batteries which practised on Salisbury Plain in 1908, it required the draught horses of a brigade and a half to turn out one battery at war strength; and what steps are being taken to obtain an adequate supply of draught horses for the Horse Artillery batteries?

Mr. HALDANE

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This is in accordance with the approved peace establishment of draught horses for the Horse Artillery batteries, which are fully maintained. There is at present no difficulty in obtaining horses for this purpose.

Mr. ASHLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether there is a single battery in the United Kingdom up to war strength in draught horses?

Mr. HALDANE

The hon. Member seems to think we keep in time of peace our horse supply up to war strength, but we do not.

Earl WINTERTON

I understand that these batteries are merely up to what is called peace strength, and this has nothing to do with war strength at all.

Mr. HALDANE

Yes, there is a peace establishment and a war establishment.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Is there a sufficient number of horses registered at the War Office for these artillery batteries which they can lay their hands on when necessary?

Mr. HALDANE

Up to the present there certainly has not been, but we have been doing everything in our power to remedy that state of things, and we have made considerable progress towards it.