HC Deb 19 April 1910 vol 16 cc1883-4
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the increased interest in the subject of horse-breeding for military purposes evoked by the recent speech of the Secretary of State for War on the Army Estimates and the prevailing lack of knowledge as to the exact types and sizes of horses required for such purposes, the Board will cause to be circulated among all farmers and other horse-breeders in Great Britain the pamphlet issued by the Board in January, 1909, containing photographic illustrations and a full description of each of the various types of horses required for remount purposes in the Army?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The Board issued copies of the pamphlet to farmers and other owners of horses in April last. Some 327,000 were sent out.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Have these copies been circulated only among members of breeding societies, and not among the smaller classes of horse-breeders in this country?

Sir E. STRACHEY

No. That is not so.

Sir MARK STEWART

Do those figures apply to Scotland as well as England?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I will inquire.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Was it intimated to all secretaries of agricultural associations that these pamphlets are at the disposal of members of these associations?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I am sure that they are quite aware of that.

Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSON

When were these circulars sent out? I am connected with an agricultural association, and have not yet received any pamphlet.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if the Board will consider the desirability of issuing a circular to all agricultural associations and farmers' clubs in Great Britain which hold an annual show, expressing the hope that they will include in their show schedules classes for different types of horses suitable for both draught and saddle purposes in the Army, and whether, in order to stop the custom of some of the smaller societies and clubs of including in one competition all types of horses under the vague description suitable for military purposes, the Board will indicate clearly to such bodies in what different classes, and under what several descriptions, such horses can most usefully be grouped and most easily be judged?

Sir E. STRACHEY

Yes, the Board will be pleased to consider the suggestion of the hon. Member, and will confer with the War Office on the subject.