HC Deb 12 November 1912 vol 43 cc1789-90
22. Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREW

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many horses are required on mobilisation to complete to war strength a Field Artillery brigade on the higher establishment; and how many to complete a brigade on the lower establishment?

Colonel SEELY

A Field Artillery brigade without the ammunition column on the higher establishment, requires 273 horses to complete to war establishment, and on the lower establishment 363. The ammunition column attached to the brigade requires 183 horses. Owing to a clerical error the figures given in reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's previous question on this subject referred to a battery instead of a brigade.

Sir R. POLE-CAREW

May I ask whether, in the case of mobilisation on the higher establishment, something nearly three times the number of horses are required as are in the ranks, and in the lower scale four times?

Colonel SEELY

Yes, Sir; I cannot say at once whether the number put by the hon. and gallant Gentleman is correct. We do want a considerable number of horses always on mobilisation, as has been the case in all previous years. It is part of the principle. I can say that the horses will be forthcoming.

Mr. LEE

May I ask whether this applies to brigades which would have to accompany any Expeditionary Force, and, if so, are they ready to go with the majority of the trained horses in the campaign?

Colonel SEELY

The arrangements made are just the same as they were when the hon. Gentleman was in office. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] Well, when I am asked the question whether they are ready to go, I say they are ready to go.

Captain FABER

May I ask whether they are transferred from the brigades not ready to go to the First Army Corps ready to go?

Colonel SEELY

It would not be convenient to the House to go into the whole question of the horses of the Artillery Brigades at Question Time, but I am asked whether these brigades are ready to go, and I say with the full concurrence of my military advisers that they are.

Mr. LEE

Are the majority of the horses trained horses or merely horses used on mobilisation?

Colonel SEELY

The Artillery is more ready in the opinion of my military advisers than it has been in any previous part of its history. If I am asked whether the Artillery of this country or of any other country can instantly take the field with nothing but trained horses on the establishment, I say that is not the case here or in any other country.