10. Captain FABERasked the Secretary of State for War whether the horses registered for service are examined by a veterinary surgeon before registration; and whether he is aware that many of the registered horses are totally unfit for service from lameness and other causes.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)It is not clear whether the question refers to registered horses, for which a registration fee is paid, or to classified horses. The former are inspected by a remount officer, and the owner is liable to pay a fine in respect of each horse which is not delivered up fit and up to the standard required. In the case of classified horses, we rely upon the judgment of the military censusing officer as to fitness, but a margin of 25 per cent. for failures is allowed in allotting horses for our mobilisation requirements.
Captain FABERAre officers with any special knowledge appointed for this duty or have they no special knowledge?
§ Colonel SEELYWe endeavour to get the best officers we can, and I am satisfied that on the whole the work has been well done.
§ Colonel YATEAre the Infantry Territorial adjutants qualified to do these duties?
§ Colonel SEELYSome of the Infantry Territorial adjutants are as qualified as any men can be.