§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, instead of inviting tenders from contractors and dealers for the supply of draught-horses for the purposes of the annual manœuvres, he will, by advertisement in the local papers or otherwise, give the farmers and other owners of horses in the manœuvre area the opportunity of supplying direct the horses required by the War Office and so save the middleman's profit of from 60 to 80 per cent. now charged upon the taxpayers of the country?
§ Colonel SEELYThe question is entirely one for the local military authorities, with whose discretion it is best not to interfere.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will not use his influence with the local authorities to ensure that the farmers should get this legitimate trade?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is no doubt highly desirable, but I would not like to commit myself to any precise step.