§ 90. Mr. ROBINSONasked on what grounds the circular was issued by the Director of Remounts suggesting that men of military age engaged in fox-hunting should apply to the local tribunal for exemption from military service?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy hon. Friend has apparently seen the circular in question, and he will have gathered from it that the object in view is the continuance of the breeding and raising of light horses suitable for Cavalry work. If this important and vital military purpose is to be secured, the maintenance of hunts is necessary. Lord Derby expressed the hope that, as 1086 far as possible, men ineligible for military service would be employed, but indicated that the question of retaining any men of military age who may be considered indispensable for the maintenance of the hunt should be referred to the local tribunal. The men in question are, of course, skilled horse keepers and managers, and it is not a question of maintaining mere attendants upon the hunt who have no special aptitudes of which the public interest necessitates the recognition.
§ Mr. BOOTHAre we to understand that the War Office wish single men having any connection whatever with fox-hunting to be exempt from military service?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, my hon. Friend is not to understand anything of the kind. I feel inclined to emulate the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department and say that that is the answer. I said that any man who is indispensable should produce his case before the tribunal.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEDo other belligerent countries find it necessary to promote fox-hunting during the War?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am not aware that other belligerent countries are endowed with that special privilege.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that our Cavalry is far better than other Cavalry because of that?