HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 cc1193-4
69. Mr. WATT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department recently provided a special train from Liverpool Street to Cambridge for a Mr. Rickaby, who had a contract with the Secretary of State for War to fulfil there, namely, to ride his horse Phalaris for the Cambridgeshire?

Mr. WARDLE

I am informed by the Great Eastern Railway Company that no special train was provided, as suggested.

Mr. WATT

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether it was the action of his Department, in preventing the train being utilised, that led to the fact that this horse, which was largely backed by the Government Department, was last in the race?

Mr. FIELD

Had you any money on it?

Mr. WARDLE

I have no knowledge ,either of the train or the horse.

Mr. HOGGE

How is it that Lord Derby can get permission for a man training in this country to ride a horse, when soldiers fighting on the West Front have great difficulty in getting leave?

Mr. WARDLE

I am afraid that question does not arise in my Department.