§ 58. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Quartermaster General has issued an Order requiring from all owners of horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and pigs a return by 1st May of such animals, with particulars regarding them, as well as of agricultural implements; why it is necessary to subject the civil population to a military Order of this character, particularly at a time when all their energies are occupied in putting in their crops; and whether the Board of Agriculture could furnish the War Office with all the information on the subject which is necessary?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe Order has been issued as a compulsory Order under the Defence of the Realm Regulations for important purposes which concern several Government Departments. It was issued by the War Office merely for convenience of procedure.