§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEasked the Under-Secretary when he will feel able to make any statement with regard to the progress of the census of horses in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. TENNANTI cannot at present say when it is probable that I shall be in a position to make a complete statement on this subject. I shall be glad to give the House all the information at present available on the first opportunity.
§ Mr. BENNETT - GOLDNEYasked the number of horses and cobs which have been purchased for the Army since 25th March, 1911; the amount which has been expended on such purchases during this period; and how much the total sum is above or below that provided for such purposes in the Estimates?
704W
§ Mr. TENNANTThe numbers purchased in the United Kingdom since 25th March, 1911, amount to 3,119, at a cost of £141,210, which sum is £6,740 in excess of the amount provided in Estimates.
§ Mr. BENNETT - GOLDNEYlikewise asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the remount or other department concerned was recently recommended by any officer or officers carrying out the duties of purchasing or registering available horses for military purposes in the county of Kent to purchase three specially suitable horses for Army purposes; whether the recommendation was entertained; whether any offer, if made, for the purchase of the above horses was delayed or considered inadequate by the owner; and whether these three horses, immediately after the recommendation had been forwarded to the authorities for their purchase, were sold to the German Government for army purposes?
§ Mr. TENNANTThere is no information at the War Office concerning the matter mentioned in the question. If the hon. Member requires further inquiry, perhaps he will be good enough to supply me with the necessary details concerning names and dates.