§ Colonel BURNasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it has come to his notice that, consequent upon the abandonment of the 1911 military manœuvres, contractors whose tenders were accepted for the supply of various commodities have suffered heavy losses; whether he is aware of any claims for compensation and, if so, whether he will consider payment of such claims; whether he 510W is aware that the refusal of compensation to horse owners has had the effect of seriously reducing the number of horses registered this year for mobilisation; and whether, from a point of Service policy, he will recommend in cases of real grievance the grant of some compensation, although, legally, no claim may be admissible?
§ Colonel SEELYThe abandonment of the 1911 manœuvres no doubt caused loss to contractors in some cases. Claims for compensation have been preferred. Some of these have been allowed in whole or part, and others are still the subject of consideration. The terms of the contract are necessarily taken into account in the consideration of all claims, whether for the hire of horses or otherwise, but each case is considered on its merits. I am not aware that any reduction in the registration of horses has occurred as a result of the action of the Department in this respect.