HC Deb 26 July 1949 vol 467 cc2220-1
4. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for War what consideration is being given to the maintenance of sufficient Government horses at the Royal Military Academy to enable officer cadets to ride and to learn to ride as a voluntary recreation.

Mr. Shinwell

It is not possible for horses to be provided from Army funds for this purpose.

Major Beamish

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is a very disappointing reply indeed, and that while it may be necessary to delete horsemanship from the syllabus at Sandhurst, will he not agree that it did a great deal of good in the past? May I appeal to him to reconsider this, for it would cost only a small outlay?

Mr. Shinwell

No doubt horsemanship should be encouraged, but I am sorry that I cannot provide the financial facilities.

Brigadier Head

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is one very big Government horse, the T.U.C., and that it would be a good thing if someone were taught to control it?