HC Deb 07 February 1938 vol 331 cc640-1
1. Mr. Harvey

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what arrangements are being made in connection with the impending mechanisation of Indian cavalry regiments for the humane disposal of surplus army horses?

The Treasurer of the Household (Captain Arthur Hope)

I have been asked to reply. Almost all the horses rendered surplus by the impending mechanisation of British cavalry regiments in India will be absorbed into other units of the regular Army in India. Orders have been issued that the few not so absorbed are to be disposed of, like horses cast for age in the normal course, only to persons who can be trusted to treat them properly. It may be taken for granted that these orders will apply also in any further mechanisation measures that may be decided on.

Mr. Petherick

As the mechanisation will apparently be carried out on a fairly large scale, and it seems quite possible that the horses will not all be disposed of by ordinary sale and purchase, can my hon. and gallant Friend assure the House that horses which cannot be absorbed will be painlessly destroyed?

Captain Hope

Yes, Sir, I think I can give that assurance.