§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he could state the number of horses hired from the London omnibus companies and from private individuals (if any) for the purpose of the Territorial autumn manœuvres; if he will state the cost per horse that the Government will have to pay during the time they are under contract; and if it will be possible to find the men work who will be thrown out of employment during the manœuvres?
§ Mr. HALDANENo statistics are available at the War Office to enable me to reply to the first and second parts of the question. As regards the last part I told the hon. Member in reply to a similar question on the 25th instant that any such2668W inquiry should be addressed to the companies concerned. It is, however, considered that a number of suitable recruits for the Army Service Corps Special Reserve, Category A, might be obtained if the men employed by the companies supplying horses for these trainings and manœuvres were informed of the conditions and advantages of service in that branch. This would enable the employés to be working with the horses of their own companies during the training. Arrangements are being made to enable recruiting officers to get into touch with the managers and the employés.
Mr. LLEWELYNasked the Secretary for War when the details of his proposed horse-breeding scheme will be announced; and whether any opportunity will be given for discussing it?
§ Mr. HALDANEThis question should be addressed to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.