§ 81. Mr. ROCHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether any of the stallions included in the Government racing stud will travel different districts for the convenience of breeders of Cavalry horses or whether they will only be available for such purpose at the respective stud farms?
§ Mr. ACLANDNone of the stallions at the National Stud at Tully will travel or be available for the service of half-bred mares for the production of Cavalry horses. The depot for stallions who will be available for this purpose will be formed at Russley after the War.
§ 82. Mr. ROCHasked whether any requests have been made to the Board of Agriculture by the War Office during the past eighteen months to acquire thoroughbred stallions suitable for the breeding of Cavalry horses; whether there is any shortage of such stallions; and whether such stallions are readily obtainable at prices of from £200 to £300?
§ Mr. ACLANDYes, Sir, the War Office have recommended the provision of more stallions suitable for producing Cavalry horses. There is a shortage of such stallions, and they are certainly not readily obtainable at the prices named.
§ Mr. ROCHHas the right hon. Gentleman advertised the fact that the Government are ready to buy such stallions?
§ Mr. ACLANDNo, but that is the opinion of the War Office.
§ 83. Mr. ROCHasked the number and ages of the stallions, brood mares, geldings, and fillies now included in the Government Racing Stud?
§ Mr. ACLANDI will have the particulars which my hon. Friend desires obtained from the Director of the National Stud in Ireland, and will send them to him.
§ 84. Mr. ROCHasked the number of stallions available for stud purposes for this season at the Government Racing Stud; and how many of such stallions will be available at service fees for half-bred mares of £3 3s. or under?
§ Mr. ACLANDFour stallions (White Eagle, Royal Realm, Great Sport and Night Hawk) are available this season for the service of thoroughbred mares at the National Stud at Tully, but none of them will be available for the service of half-bred mares.
§ Mr. ACLANDThey will be very valuable in keeping up our light-horse supply, which is the basis of our supply of Cavalry horses.