§ Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSONasked the Secretary of State for War, whether the Artillery of the First and Second Army Corps are provided with their full complement of men, guns, horses, ammunition, transport, and stores, and are in a complete state of preparation to take the field in case of emergency without drawing on other units, or the reserves for other units, in order to complete their equipment; what amount of reserves there is for replacing casualties in men and loss of guns; and what arrangements are existent for 210 replacing casualties to horses both for mounting the cavalry and horsing the transport; whether the whole of the cavalry of the First and Second Army Corps are provided with their full complement of men, horses, ammunition, transport, and stores, and are in a thorough state of preparation in every way to take the field immediately in case of emergency without drawing on other units to complete their equipment; whether the infantry of the First and Second Army Corps are provided with their full complement of men, ammunition, transport, and stores, and are in a complete state of preparation to take the field immediately, in case of emergency, without drawing on other units, or the reserves for other units, to complete their equipment; and what amount of reserves is there for replacing casualties?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)In reply to these questions, I must point out to the hon. and gallant Member that the Army Corps organisation has now for some years ceased to exist. But, assuming that he intends to refer to the four divisions and the cavalry division forming the Expeditionary Force, I can assure him that the mobilisation arrangements are quite satisfactory. So far as detailed information can safely be given on these points I think that a better opportunity would be found in the course of a Debate. Such an opportunity will occur in the forthcoming discussion on Army Estimates.
§ Mr. HALDANEThat hardly arises out of the question.
§ Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSONAre the Government now in possession of a sufficient number of horses to make good the casualties which are certain to arise immediately on the outbreak of war?
§ Mr. HALDANENo; the Government have power to take any horses in the country, but there has never been an organisation for that purpose. We have taken a census of horses. It was taken in December, and is not yet complete, and we are now proceeding to consider how we can best classify the horses. It is a very difficult matter. Everything in it is tentative, seeing that it has never been touched until now. We are proceeding very 211 gradually, and I do not like to speak with any sanguineness. All I can say is we have made a beginning, and we will see what comes of it.