§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of State for Defence on what date the 16 ponies from Malta arrived at Marchwood Dock, Southampton, on the ship "Sir Geraint"; why stables had to be specially constructed abord this ship, and at what costs; who paid for this construction; and whether lie will make a statement.
§ Lord BalnielThe ponies arrived on 23rd January, 1972. Since the "Sir Geraint" is not normally used for the transporting of horses, temporary stalls were constructed on deck. The stalls were constructed by Service men en route to Malta aboard the "Sir Geraint" using Service stores which were returned to the depot from which they were drawn when the stalls were dismantled; no extra costs were therefore involved.