§ 1. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Secretary of State for India what are the British forces now being employed for the protection of Kashmir State; and whether they are being paid for by the State or are a charge on the Government of India revenue?
§ 2. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information as to the present state of military matters in Kashmir, and as to whether the cost of the expedition will be met from the revenues of British India or Kashmir?
§ 7. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for India what 474 British troops have been used to maintain order in the recent disturbances in Kashmir; whether it is proposed to reinforce such troops; and upon whom the cost of their maintenance will fall?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)The British troops at present employed in Kashmir State consist of two battalions and one Company of Infantry and a detachment of Cavalry. So far as I am aware, it is not proposed at present to send any further troops. The State will be asked to bear all expenditure above the normal cost of maintenance of the troops.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether advantage will be taken of the position between ourselves and Kashmir to secure a beginning of some form of democratic government in that State?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid that matter does not arise out of the question.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSDoes not the use of British troops clearly justify the British Raj in India?