HC Deb 26 November 1987 vol 123 c281W
Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the mounted units in the Army.

Mr. Freeman

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 27 February 1987, at columns212–13.

Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances personnel in non-mounted units are permitted to hunt in duty hours.

Mr. Freeman

Personnel in non-mounted units are not normally permitted to hunt in duty hours. However, in exceptional circumstances and at the commanding officer's discretion it may be permitted provided there is no detriment to military tasks.

Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take action to ensure the benefits of equestrian training afforded by playing polo in duty hours are spread according to the training needs of individuals.

Mr. Freeman

Polo takes place in duty time only at the commanding officer's discretion and not to the detriment of any military task.

Privately-owned horses only are used and personnel paticipate largely at their own expense and preference. I see no reason to seek to influence their choice.