§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the regular practice to sell by auction, with the authority and approval of the War Office, old and worn-out artillery horses for anything that they will fetch; whether such sales generally take place in the poorest parts of garrison towns; whether those horses which are lame and entirely past work of any kind are often sold for the sum of £5 or less; and, if so, whether he will issue an order for the compulsory slaughter of such animals, to prevent their being exported to foreign countries for purposes of human food?
§ Mr. HALDANEHorses, prior to casting, are examined by a veterinary surgeon, who, in each case, recommends to the approving authority whether the animal should be sold or destroyed. The horses are sold at auction in the market town nearest to the garrison town where they are cast.