HC Deb 26 July 1909 vol 8 cc829-30
Lord BALCARRES (for Mr. Remnant)

asked the Secretary of State for War if there were sufficient trained horses at Aldershot to-day to supply the number necessary to mobilise the one division of artillery ordered to be mobilised at Aidershot on 26th July next, and, if not, from which depots he proposes to draw them?

Mr. HALDANE

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, the supply of horses required will be dealt with locally under arrangements made by the respective General Officers Commanding.

Mr. ASHLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman state if these extra horses are to be drawn exclusively from the cavalry?

Mr. HALDANE

What we want is to-get out a fully mobilised division in order to test how the Staff can handle it. Of course, if we could mobilise such a division without calling out the reserve we would be glad.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is it not rather unsatisfactory to the cavalry, and cause a great deal of trouble, that the horses should be taken away on all sorts of occasions?

Mr. HALDANE

I am not sure whether we are using cavalry horses. It may be that it is so, but it is only for a very short time.