§ Sir F. CAWLEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government have had any difficulty in obtaining troop horses or horses for the Artillery either at the beginning or during the War; whether they have now more troop horses than they require or are likely to require; what has been the average cost 1738W of troop horses and Artillery horses, respectively, during the War; what number of troop horses were bought in the year 1913; and what was the average cost?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. As to the second part, the requirements of troop horses according to the military situation from time to time have been fully met, but there has been no over provision. As regards the third part, I am having the cost worked out, and will let my hon. Friend know the result. As regards the last part, during the financial year 1913–14 the following horses were purchased at the average cost stated:—
Average cost £ 535 Chargers 60 83 Household Cavalry 65 1,774 Cavalry (mostly 4 year old) 41 1,867 Draught horses (mostly 4 and 5 years) 42