§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost of horse training for the armed forces; where horse training is undertaken; and how many horses are trained each year. [33780]
§ Mr. SoamesThe annual cost of horse training for the armed forces is less than £350,000. Horse training is initially carried out at the defence animal centre at Melton Mowbray. Further training is carried out by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Knightsbridge and Windsor and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery at St. John's Wood. An average of 40 horses are trained each year.
§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost of(a) maintaining armed forces horses and (b) equipment for armed forces horses. [33781]
§ Mr. SoamesThe annual cost of maintaining armed forces horses is approximately £825,000, including the purchase of food, bedding, medical supplies and shoeing. The cost of equipment for armed forces horses is approximately £160,000 per annum. This figure excludes ceremonial equipment, the costs of which are not recorded centrally and could be identified only at disproportionate cost.