HC Deb 04 December 1919 vol 122 cc551-2
6. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the considerable export of horses from Ireland to Switzerland viâBirkenhead; has he been able to ascertain if the Swiss Federal Government is making any large increase in its Cavalry force or are these horses being exported to Switzerland for purposes of sport; and is he able to say that these horses will not be transferred from Switzerland to Germany for the use of the German Army?

Mr. HENRY

The Department of Agriculture are not aware that there has been anything abnormal in the number of horses exported from Ireland to Switzerland (all of which have been for the Swiss Government), considering that the practice of the Swiss authorities before the War was to purchase remounts in Ireland, and that this practice was in abeyance from the outbreak of war until the month of October last.

Colonel NEWMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire how many horses were-shipped from Dundalk in the course of the last few weeks?

Mr. HENRY

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to give me notice.