§ 30. Sir R. POLE-CAREWasked the Secretary of State for War the meaning of the word "seasoned" as used by his Department on the 26th November; and whether a four-year-old horse, or even a five-year-old, would be included in this category?
§ Colonel SEELYA seasoned horse is a horse used to work, fit and well. A four-year-old horse would not be included in this category. In the case of a five-year-old horse, his inclusion would depend upon his development.
§ 31. Sir R. POLE-CAREWasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the war establishment of horses in the Household Cavalry, Cavalry of the Line, Military Mounted Police, Royal Horse Artillery, Royal Field Artillery, Royal Field Artillery howitzer batteries, Royal Garrison Artillery heavy batteries, including in each case ammunition 1279 columns, Royal Engineers, Army Service Corps, respectively; and what is the total number?
§ Colonel SEELYThe hon. and gallant Gentleman will find detailed information on this subject in Part I., War Establishments, issued with Army Orders, 1st February, 1912, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWMay I ask whether I am correct in suggesting that the total number is something over 60,000?
§ Colonel SEELYI could not carry the exact figure in my head, but full information is in the book which I am sending to the N hon. and gallant Gentleman. If he wishes further information, I will be glad to give it.
35. Major HOPEasked if one of the Cavalry regiments which is shortly to be brought home from South Africa is to be mounted on cobs provided for the Mounted Infantry School of Instruction?
§ Colonel SEELYThe seasoned cobs now at the school of instruction will be used at first for this purpose, and will be replaced as remounts become available.
Major HOPEMay I ask whether there has been any inspection and report as to the suitability of these cobs which are to be supplied to Cavalry regiments?
§ Colonel SEELYThat has been carefully considered, and it has been decided that they would be very suitable.
§ Colonel SEELYCertainly, we do not take the cobs without inspection.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWMay I ask how long it will be before the regiments are supplied?
§ Colonel SEELYI could not say how soon, but we will replace these as remounts become available.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWAre the remounts necessary likely to be ready in a few weeks?
§ Colonel SEELYI cannot say. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will ask me when I anticipate the remounts will be provided, I will give him an answer.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWYet the right hon. Gentleman says he can mobilise in a month.
§ 36. Sir HILDRED CARLILEasked what is the peace establishment in horses of the Artillery of the Expeditionary Force, exclusive of officers' chargers; and what was the actual number of horses in the possession of Artillery units of that force on 1st November, 1912, exclusive of officers' charges?
§ Colonel SEELYI am sending the honourable and gallant Gentleman Peace Establishments, Part I., and War Establishments, Part I., from which he will obtain the information he requires.