HC Deb 13 February 1919 vol 112 cc296-7W
Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the scheme which has been adopted by the War Office for the disposal of horses and mules recently used on the various battle fronts, specifying which class of animals are to be retained for use in the Army and which are to be sold either in this country or abroad; and whether any legislation is to be introduced by the Belgian or any other foreign Government for ensuring the better protection of animals?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It has been decided, after consultation with the Board of Agriculture, not to bring to this country any horses and mules from theatres of operations other than France owing to the risk of importing disease. In Mesopotamia, Egypt, Salonika, and Italy surplus animals are therefore disposed of by sale to the inhabitants who are in urgent need of them, or by destruction, as to which generals commanding are authorised to use the most liberal discretion. In France the animals have been divided into four classes for disposal:—

1st. Those required for the Army of Occupation.

2nd. Those which are considered suitable for sale in Great Britain.

3rd. Those which it is not desirable to repatriate but which are well fitted for work in civil life.

4th. Those which it is considered better to destroy.

The animals in class (3) are being sold both in Belgium and France, where they are much required by the inhabitants.

I am afraid I cannot answer the last part of my hon. and learned Friend's question.

Major E. WOOD

asked the Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to complaints as to the present system of allocation of the sales of Army horses and equipment to selected auctioneers on different districts; and whether he will consider the desirability of a more equal distribution of this business among all qualified members of the profession?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The sales of surplus Army horses are held at convenient centres by local auctioneers who are carefully selected by General Officers Commanding-in-Chief. I am, of course, prepared to consider any special case that may be brought to my notice in which a more advantageous arrangement might be possible. There have boon no general sales of equipment.