§ 84. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the Secretary of State for War if he can say of the veterinary staff borne on the Army Votes for 922–23 and 1914–15, how-many were on the home and how many on the foreign establishment; and, in each year, how many horses were on the home and foreign establishments, respectively?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Lieut.-Colonel Sir R. Sanders)The figures are as follow:
§ At Home.
§ 1914–15.—24,714 horses and 309 veterinary staff.
§ 1922–23.—14,867 horses and 268 veterinary staff.
§ Abroad.
§ 1914–15.—4,025 horses and 54 veterinary staff.
§ 1922–23.—11,347 horses and 99 veterinary staff.
§ The figures for 1922–23 exclude 27 officers and other ranks at present in Palestine and Iraq.
§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLCan my hon. and gallant Friend say why it is not possible for the veterinary officers to look after the same number of horses now as they did in 1914–15?
§ Sir R. SANDERSIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman looks at the answer I think he will find that it is still so.