§ 74. Major MACKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for War the terms upon which horses are boarded out by his Department; on what grounds the scheme is justified; and whether, in view of the state of national finances, it is considered necessary to continue it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe conditions on which army horses are boarded out are:
The scheme is an economical method of ensuring that suitable horses are available for the Territorial Army training and that a reserve of horses principally of the light draught or "gunner" type (which is a most difficult class to procure) is immediately available on mobilisation.
- (a) Annual payment by borrowers of £7 10s. per horse.
- (b) Borrower to have full use of the horse, except for a period in each year when horse is available for annual training of Territorial Army.
- (c) Horses are available at 24 hours' notice for use of military authorities on mobilisation.
- (d) Free veterinary attendance is provided by the military authorities.
§ Major WOODCan we not commandeer all the horses we require when the emergency occurs?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYOf course, we have power to do that; but we must have a reserve of horses as well as a reserve of everything else.
§ Major WOODHow is this going to increase the supply of horses?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is arguing.