§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the majority of Government horses are at present rugged in cold weather from funds other than public funds; and whether, in view of the feeling which exists amongst officers of mounted corps that the present regulations, which do not allow of the issue of rugs for cavalry horses, are the cause of serious loss to public funds and 2377 impair the efficiency of mounted corps, he will cause an inquiry to be made and reports called for from commanding officers?
§ Colonel SEELYThis question has recently received the fullest consideration and instructions were issued in October last, in the form of an additional paragraph 1220a in the King's Regulations, to the effect that a commanding officer should exercise his discretion as regards clipping and the extent to which it should be carried out and that it should as a rule be done in November, December and January. If the provisions of this Regulation are earried out and if the horse is given his full allowance of forage, it is considered that the issue of rugs, beyond the present allotment, should be unnecessary.