§ 16. Mr. JOELasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what was the value of remounts purchased for the British Army from the Irish Free State for 1931 and the first six months of 1932; and whether, in view of the undesirability of the British Army being dependent on the Irish Free State for a large proportion of its horses, he will state how soon he anticipates the encouragement which he is now giving to British horse-breeding will make it possible to obtain the entire supply of remounts for the British Army in Great Britain?
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYThe prices paid for remounts purchased in the Irish Free State in 1931 was £20,056 and in the first six months of 1932 was £15,770. The increased proportion for the first six months of 1932 is due to the fact that it is the practice of the Department to purchase a large proportion of the requirements of remounts in the first half of the year. As regards the second part of the question, it is the policy to purchase horses in the United Kingdom whenever possible, but at present the supply is not sufficient to meet requirements.