HC Deb 05 August 1857 vol 147 c1083

Order for Committee (of Supply) read.

GENERAL CODRINGTON

said, he wished to ask the Under Secretary for War, the reason of sending only 140 men to the East Indies, as the complement of a Troop of Horse Artillery, when the War complement of such a troop is 253 men?

SIR JOHN RAMSDEN

said, he apprehended that his hon. and gallant Friend was aware that the force of Artillery had been put under the orders of the East India Company in the same way as all other troops sent to India, in compliance with the requisition made to the Government by the Company. That requisition specified the number of the forces, and the number of each troop and company had been so arranged as to bring the total number within the requisition made, and that was the reason why that particular number had been decided upon.

Motion made and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."