§ 21. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War what complaints he has received regarding the requisitioning of horses; whether he is aware that in one case three armleted civilians visited a stud farm and, without producing any authority, proceeded to examine a number of horses and to brand nine of them; that the owner was informed that he would be paid a total of £435 for stock the cost price of which would be more than three times that sum; how such prices are arrived at; and whether he will provide 147 for the right of appeal against unjust assessments by the owners of stock requisitioned for national purposes?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThere have been few complaints. In the case to which the hon. Member refers, the purchasers were duly accredited and would have produced written authority, if they had been requested to do so. The prices were considered to be the market value at the present time, in each case. Owners who are dissatisfied with the prices tendered have a right to appeal to a county court judge, and the owner in this case was so informed.
§ Mr. WilliamsHas an appeal been lodged by the person referred to in the question?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI could not say.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs it generally understood by breeders of horses that they have a right of appeal?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIn this case the person from whom the horses were purchased was so informed, and I imagine that that would invariably be the case.
§ Mr. BoultonHad these people compulsory powers to requisition horses?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir.
§ 25. Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makinsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, according to all written regulations, cavalry officers were promised that in the event of mobilisation their chargers would be taken over by the remount department up to £120, whereas now they are receiving £60 maximum; whether it is intended to give effect to the original undertaking; and why only half the price is being paid in this case for cavalry horses?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaWhat the regulations lay down is that privately owned chargers may be taken over at a price to be fixed by agreement, such price not to exceed the maximum amount which might be paid in the event of the loss of the horse by reason of military service. This maximum for the most expensive type of charger is £120. It was recently decided not to pay more than £60 for any horse now being acquired but no compulsion was put on any officer to sell his horse.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonWould it be true to say that cavalry officers who expected to get £120 for their chargers would be the chargers themselves?
§ Sir E. MakinsAre we to take it that they are not compelled to sell their horses?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMy hon. and gallant Friend may take it that the officers are not compelled to sell their horses?
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyIs my right hon. Friend aware that remount officers are buying for £60-odd horses which are often worth to farmers over 200 guineas?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaWe have just dealt with this question. There was a question on the Paper about it, and I explained that there was a right of appeal.