§ 37. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War what instructions are given to those engaged in purchasing remounts; whether they are prevented from purchasing horses four years of age?or under, and horses exceeding eight 672 years; and what discretion they are allowed as to type or kind of horses to be purchased?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaPurchasers are informed of the number of horses to be purchased and the arm of the Service for which they are required. They are given a general description of the classes of horses suitable for military purposes, and are instructed not to exceed a maximum price of £60. Horses are bought from five years old upwards. There is no ban on horses over eight years old, but the price is reduced for each year in excess of eight.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman give any figures as to the cases which have occurred down to 18th September, and is he satisfied that there are not suitable horses at £60 or less without having to resort to the progeny of Derby and St. Leger winners?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot give the figures without notice, and I am distressed to hear that the progeny of Derby winners have been taken.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill the right hon. Gentleman address himself to the first part of the question and get the figures?
§ Mr. A. EdwardsWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries also about some purchases made in Yorkshire, where £60 has been paid for horses which the owners would gladly have sold for half the price?
§ 38. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain the procedure to be followed by any person who is aggrieved at the prices offered for horses appropriated for war purposes and the constitution of the tribunal to deal with such cases?
§ Mr, Hore-BelishaIf the owner does not accept the amount paid or tendered as fair value, he has the right to appeal to the county court (in Scotland, the sheriff's court) within three weeks of the payment or tender.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill the county courts dealing with such cases be made aware of the Compensation Act, 1939, where, when the Government take over any commodity, any appreciation in value is ignored when the purchase takes place?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have no doubt that the learned judge will take into account every legal aspect of the matter.
§ 65. Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makinsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. John Darby of Hillmorton, Rugby, has had 13 horses, which cost him £1,765, requisitioned by an impressment officer for £780; why, in view of the fact that these horses represent the capital of Mr. Darby's business and that requisitioning is. ruin to its prospects, pressure has been brought to bear upon him by the Department to induce him not to bring the matter before the county court; and whether he is prepared to take any remedial action?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am not aware that any pressure has been brought to bear on Mr. Darby not to bring the matter before the county court. The case is, in fact, down for hearing at the County Court, Rugby, on 9th November.
§ Sir E. MakinsI should like to ask whether my right hon. Friend considers that a capital levy on one section of the community is right, proper and justifiable?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIt is not a capital levy on one section of the community. It is a question of dealing with a specific case, and in all cases there is an appeal to the county court.
§ Sir E. MakinsI beg to give notice that I will raise the whole question of the impressment of horses at the earliest possible moment on the Adjournment.