§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many mules will be destroyed when the 414 Pack Transport Troop of the Royal 303W Corps of Transport is disbanded; and whether consideration has been given to offering the animals to retiring or retired Gurkha officers and soldiers.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe mule strength of the Pack Company was allowed to run down naturally following the decision to disband it. Four of the youngest animals were given to the local Jockey Club to provide riding facilities for physically handicapped children. A number of alternatives for the disposal of the rest were considered, including the possibility of offering them to retired Gurkhas, but all proved impracticable for compassionate, economic or other reasons, and 23 have now been destroyed.
1960 1965 1970 1975 United Kingdom Total (in acres) … 761,000 666,000 634,000 639,000 1974 South-West area (in acres) … — — 148,600 149,200