§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Under Secretary of State for India, If the statement in the "Times" of March 15th, respecting the recommendations of the Indian Army Commission, is authentic; especially whether the Commissioners propose, in order to form a mobile army, to abolish a very large number of military stations now held, including Dacca, Hagarabach, and almost every station in Lower Bengal; and, whether, notwithstanding the determination to abolish the post of Public Works Member of Council, and the departure of Sir Andrew Clarke with no intention of returning, an officer has been appointed to act during the absence on leave of Sir Andrew Clarke?
§ MR. E. STANHOPESir, the statement in The Times of March 15 as to the recommendations of the Indian Army Commission is generally accurate, though, of course, a telegraphic summary is 1096 necessarily incomplete. They have not yet, however, been officially sent home. As regards Sir Andrew Clarke, he has obtained four months' leave of absence on medical certificate. As soon as his term expires, the vacancy will not be filled up. We know nothing as to any temporary appointment during his absence.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLinquired whether the statement was correct that the Commissioners proposed to abolish the military stations at Dacca and Hagarabach?
§ MR. E. STANHOPESpeaking of those places generally, it is correct.
§ GENERAL SIR GEORGE BALFOURinquired whether the new Parliament would have an opportunity of discussing the recommendations of the Commission?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, the recommendations of the Commission could not possibly be carried into effect before the next Parliament met. They had not yet been sent home by the Government of India.