Captain FABERasked the Home Secretary if he will state whether the information contained in the recent census of horses compiled by the police was given voluntarily, and if such information would be used as a basis for requisitioning any of the horses; and, if the latter should be the case, whether the police are justified in giving the information demanded?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe information contained in the census of horses and vehicles made by the police authorities was given voluntarily by owners. It was explained to them that the information was required for the military authorities and would not be used for purposes of taxation, and I believe it was generally known that it would be used by the military authorities to guide them in the purchase of horses, or, in a great national emergency, in their impressment. Under the Army Act police authorities have power to make annual lists of all persons liable to furnish carriages and animals in case of emergency And of the number and description of such carriages and animals. The information was avowedly collected for the military authorities, and it clearly should be supplied to them.
Captain FABERMay we understand that any information voluntarily given will not be used against those who give it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo; any information voluntarily given will be used for the purpose of national safety in time of great and exceptional emergency.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to prevent any information being given by anyone about people's horses?