The following question appeared on the Paper in the name of Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY:—To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will state if orders were issued to divisional and brigade commanders in April last that, irrespective of the causes of unfitness, the number of horses which may be cast during the financial year of 1909–10 must not exceed 4 per cent. of the establishment of the unit concerned; and, if so, whether he will explain why, in a field battery on the lower establishment, 6 per cent. were allowed to be cast?
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYThis question has been altered, and does not represent the meaning of the inquiry of which I gave notice. I will, therefore, ask only the first part of this question.
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. F. D. Acland)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYCan the hon. Gentleman explain why 6 per cent. was mentioned on 15th September?
§ Mr. ACLANDIf the hon. and gallant Member will be good enough to let me know the number of the battery to which he alludes, I will make enquiry.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYI refer to all batteries on the lower establishment. The Secretary of State told us 6 per cent., but as a matter of fact, it is only 4 per cent., owing to an order from the War Office, and I should like an explanation.
§ Mr. ACLANDThat is a different question. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put it on the Paper.