§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost of the Army Veterinary and Equitation Establishment at Melton Mowbray; if he will list the courses, with number and duration and the average attendance for each of the last two years at military establishments at Melton Mowbray; and if he will list the416W number of student weeks for equitation courses here for each of the last three years as allocated to officers and other ranks and in total.
§ Mr. FreemanThe annual cost of all functions (both equine and canine) of the RAVC centre, Melton Mowbray, is £2.285 million. Of this, the cost of provision of horse-related training (including farriery) is £367,000. Details of equitation and equitation-related courses held at the centre are given in the table:
Course Number held per year Duration weeks Average attendance over last 2 years Advanced Military Equitation 1 27½ 12 Joint Service Unit Instructor 2 3 71/2 Joint Service unit rider/competitor 2or3 2 9 Military pack transport As required 3 Total 18 all ranks over last 2 years RAVC recruit stable management As required 2 Total 52 soldiers over last 2 years International 1 1 8 Military Equitation Course A number of student weeks for courses held for each of the last three years as allocated to officers and soldiers is given in the table:
Course Officer weeks Soldier weeks Total weeks Officer/Soldier ratio Advanced Military Equitation 247.5 742.5 990 1:3 Joint Service Unit Instructor 39 90 129 1:2.5 Joint Service Unit Rider/Competitor 42 108 150 1:2.5