HC Deb 17 February 1915 vol 69 cc1135-6
84. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the large number of deaths from exposure of Army horses in camps in England since the commencement of the War; and whether such deaths have been due to the horses being taken out of the stables and tied up in the open in exposed places in wet soil and deep mud, without having been gradually accustomed to the change of treatment?

Mr. TENNANT

Attention has already been called to the alleged effect of exposure of Army horses in the open, but, as I stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on the 8th instant, little or no authority can be directly attributed to such exposure.

85. Mr. BUTCHER

asked whether, when, the Eighth Division left Hursley camp, they left behind them without adequate attendants about 500 sick horses suffering mainly from colds and pneumonia, and how many of such horses subsequently died; and whether bad conditions, resulting in the deaths of many horses, also prevailed in the camps at or near Southampton, Cambridge, Bedford, Winchester, and other places?

Mr. TENNANT

The Eighth Division left behind them at Hursley camp about 500 horses, and by the evening of the date of departure the whole of the sick horses were accommodated in the veterinary hospital at Winchester. About thirty of the sick horses left behind died, but the mortality was due to an epidemic of contagious pneumonia. There were very few-deaths directly attributable to bad conditions at the places mentioned.

Mr. BUTCHER

Have the rest of these 500 horses recovered and been taken back into service?

Mr. TENNANT

I believe that to be so, but I will make further inquiries.

86. Mr. BUTCHER

asked what is the total number of horses that have died in camps in England since the commencement of the War?

Mr. TENNANT

I regret that this number cannot be ascertained with any exactness.

87. Mr. BUTCHER

asked whether, in future, when Army horses are picketed out in the open more care will be taken to select suitable sites for the camps, to take advantage, when possible, of any natural shelter, to remove horses suffering from colds or pneumonia to covered buildings, and to secure more frequent inspection of the horses?

Mr. TENNANT

Every care is taken to select suitable sites for camps. Horses suffering from colds, pneumonia, etc., are removed to covered buildings as far as possible. Sick animals are inspected by veterinary officers at least once daily, and at all hours when necessary.