HC Deb 08 November 1916 vol 87 cc197-8
61. Commander WEDGWOOD

asked whether the Government of India have as yet embodied the Volunteer forces in that country with a view to releasing British troops now retained there away from the frontier; and, if not, will he say why this has not been done?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Some of the Volunteer forces have already been embodied; but to what extent this has been done I cannot say. Officers and men from these forces have also joined other units, and some of them have served in Mesopotamia and elsewhere with distinction. The Indian Volunteers are not, as the law stands, liable to service outside their own provinces, and they have duties to discharge in their provinces which would necessitate their replacement by other troops if they were removed. I hope that my hon. and gallant Friend will accept this as a sufficient answer, and will not expect me to discuss which particular troops should be allotted to the frontier.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that British troops are now being used for this police work which might be done by these Volunteer regiments were they embodied, which they are not?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; I cannot accept that. I do not know exactly what the hon. and gallant Member means by police work, but I do not accept his statement.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Will the right hon. Gentleman grant a Return showing the numbers of these Volunteers who are being employed and those who are still left unemployed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would like to consider it more fully, but primâ facie I do not think such a Return would be of any value. The governing fact is if the Volunteers were not available in the districts where they are employed to serve would you have to put other troops into them?

Commander WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether these people have not been embodied because their labour is required in civil work?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is not the reason for the men not being embodied. Many of the Volunteers are in the service of the railways, and are required for special work. They cannot be replaced or moved.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Can we have the Return?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have told my right hon. Friend that I should like to consider it a little further, but as at present advised I am not disposed to grant it because I think it would be misleading.