§ 26. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state what steps have been taken in compiling the census of horses taken by remount officers to ascertain the prices to be paid for such horses in the event of their being taken for Army purposes; and whether such prices have been arrived at after communication with the owners of the horses; and, if not, whether the owners have been informed of such prices?
§ Colonel SEELYThe price to be paid for horses taken for Army purposes on mobilisation will be the value of the animal according to the market price prevailing at that time. Should an owner object to the price tendered he has a right under Section 115 (4) Army Act to have the price determined by a county court judge.
§ Mr. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question, namely, what steps are being taken now to ascertain the prices, in order that the prices paid eventually shall not be grossly in excess of the ordinary prices paid for the horses?
§ Colonel SEELYI have given a very full answer to the hon. Gentleman. I can add nothing to it. What I state has been the law for many years, and we do not propose to alter it. We rely upon it to see that we do not pay too much or too little.
§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEWill the War Office see that the county court judges are equipped with the necessary knowledge?