HC Deb 01 December 1969 vol 792 cc215-6W
Mr. Ian MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had about the effect of elderly Army Horses, accustomed to being stabled, of possible retirement in to the open air; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Richard

Consultations between the Ministry of Defence and the R.S.P.C.A. are now taking place and a number of aspects, including the one referred to, are being considered.

Mr. Ian MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it a condition of transferring retired Army horses to private ownership that they will be stabled, fed and exercised in the manner to which they are accustomed.

Mr. Richard

I can assure the hon. Member that Army horses will not be transferred to private ownership unless proper stabling, feeding and management can be guaranteed.

Mr. Ian MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that a veterinary surgeon is consulted before a retired Army horse is transferred to private ownership; and if he will seek to ensure that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will regularly review the conditions in which the horse then lives.

Mr. Richard

Army Regulations will continue to provide that a horse is examined by a veterinary surgeon and passed as fit before it is transferred to private ownership. A regular review of the conditions under which a horse lives after transfer to private ownership is one of the matters currently under discussion with the R.S.P.C.A.