§ 19. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Secretary of State for War whether the price of horses impressed for national service in time of war or emergency will be fixed by agreement between the owners and the Remount Department of the War 1863 Office or will be settled by the purchasing officers; and, if so settled, whether there will be any appellate tribunal competent to judge of the value of such animals?
§ Colonel SEELYThe price will be fixed by each purchaser appointed on mobilisation, on behalf of the War Office, according to his opinion of the market value prevailing at that time. The owner, if dissatisfied, has a right of appeal under Section 115 (4) Army Act to the County Court Judge, who shall determine, after hearing evidence produced, the amount to be paid.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider the County Court Judge is an efficient tribunal to try such a question as this?
§ Colonel SEELYIt has long been the law that he should be the person to fix the price, and I think on the whole that probably justice will be done.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONMay I ask, is there any maximum price?
§ Colonel SEELYThere is none laid down in the actual contracts, but there will, of course, be a price beyond which we should not go.