19 Mr. ALAN SYKESasked (1) whether the Territorial adjutant detailed to take the horse census in No. 5 area in Cheshire is to classify and report on all the horses in the following districts: All the districts embraced in the Parliamentary divisions of Hyde, Stalybridge, and Stockport, and in addition half of the districts embraced by the Altrincham and Knutsford divisions; whether this adjutant can satisfactorily make his horse census without neglecting his other duties; (2) whether any complaints have been received from commanding officers of Territorial battalions pointing out the in convenience of having their adjutants detailed to take the present horse census; (3) the number of adjutants who have been and are being employed in the pre sent horse census which is being taken, distinguishing between mounted and foot adjutants and between Regular, Special Reserve, and Territorial in each case; (4> whether the adjutants who have been and are at present being employed in the pre sent horse census are expected to under take this census in addition to their ordinary duties; and what would be the position of an adjutant who refused to take the census on the plea that his ordinary duties took up all his time?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not aware of the particular ease mentioned, but I will make inquiries. No complaints from commanding officers have reached the War Office. There are no statistics at the War Office to show the 'exact numbers of officers employed on the horse classification, but, as I have already informed the House, there are a large number of Regular officers so employed, in addition to the Territorial Force adjutants. As regards the other points raised, I have nothing to add to the replies which I have already given to the hon. and gallant Gentleman on this subject.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEIf the right hon. Gentleman says no complaints have reached the War Office, may I ask him if there was not trouble with two adjutants last year on the subject, and that both of them had to leave an account of the War Office action?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not aware of that. I have said no complaint has reached the War Office from commanding officers, which is the question on the Paper.
Mr. ALAN SYKESCould the right hon. Gentleman reply to the latter part of question No. 22: "What would be the position of an adjutant who refused to take the census on the plea that his ordinary duties took up all his time?"
§ Colonel SEELYI have deliberately refrained from answering the question, because I think it ought not to have been put, but if it is persisted in the answer would be the same as the answer given by Stephenson with regard to the cow.