HC Deb 08 April 1919 vol 114 cc1832-3
14. Sir THOMAS BRAMSDON

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of horses belonging to the British Army which have been sold in the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, and other theatres of war since the signing of the Armistice, and of that number how many were diseased and unfit for ordinary work; how much has the sale of these diseased and unfit horses realised; can he state if any and, if so, how many of these horses have fallen into the hands of bull-ring traders; and, if the sale of decrepit horses is still going on, will he take steps to stop it?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am informed that up to 28th March 187,539 horses and 56,044 mules had been sold alive at prices averaging over £38 each for horses and £34 10s. each for mules, and 28,008 horses and mules have been sold for meat at an average of over £21 10s. each. No animals unfit for work have been sold alive. Diseased horses have been destroyed.