71. Lieutenant-Colonel HERBERTasked the Prime Minister whether the Government adhere to the undertaking given that no Army horses should be sold in the East?
Captain GUESTThe only undertaking given was that no cast or worn-out horses should be sold in the East. As regards other horses the Instructions issued to General Officers Commanding in Eastern theatres of war are as follows:
Animals no longer required by the Armies in the Eastern theatres of war should be disposed of to the best advantage by sale or otherwise. At the same time, General Officers Commanding are instructed to exercise a very liberal discretion in destroying instead of selling horses, especially those of British origin, which it may be found impossible to repatriate, or which are not worth the freight, and for which good home cannot be found on the spot.
§ Major Earl WINTERTONBefore the Government proceed with their scheme will they take, the advice of Members of this House like my hon. and gallant Friend and myself who have served in the East and seen the unrestricted cruelties practised by the natives on animals?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWhat precautions are being taken that horses which are being sold will be treated humanely by the purchasers?
§ Sir A. FELLCan a favourite charger be brought back by an officer?
§ Sir F. BANBURYIs not the reason that cast horses were not sold in the East because it was feared that they would be ill-used and cruelly treated by the inhabitants, and would not that apply equally to all horses whether fit or unfit?
Captain GUESTJudging by the high prices paid in the East for the younger and better horses there is some security that they will be better treated.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWhat guarantees have we that the horses shall be treated humanely?
Captain GUESTThe General Officers Commanding in those theatres have been given strict instructions to consider that point.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWhat are the instructions?