HC Deb 23 February 1926 vol 192 cc278-9
36. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present cost of the cavalry of His Majesty's Army; what was the cost in 1913; and what reduction in the number of cavalry soldiers has taken place since that year?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The effective cost of the cavalry on the British establishment in the present year's Estimates is £1,909,000; in 1913–14 Estimates it was £1,559,000, but the basis of the figures for the two years is not quite the same. The cavalry on the British establishment has been reduced from 14,716 in 1913–14 to 9,105 in the present year.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

If any further reductions in the cavalry are contemplated, will there be an increase in the Air Force available for the Army?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Not at this moment.

Mr. THURTLE

Is not this expenditure on cavalry largely a sheer waste of public money?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

We do not think so.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether the whole experience of the War in France was not that cavalry have ceased to be a necessary element as an eye of the Army, or of any use for mass attack?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No, Sir; and France was not the only seat of war.