HC Deb 28 February 1862 vol 165 cc888-9
COLONEL DUNNE

said, he wished to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether the total force maintained on the Indian Establishment has been decided on for this year; whether he will lay upon the table of the House, before he brings in the Army Estimates, the data upon which the capitation rate of £10 per man, which is to be paid by the Indian Government, has been calculated; whether the amount so produced is to cover the expenses of the Depots of Indian Regiments at home, of recruiting, and of the payment of Pensioners from Indian Regiments; and whether he will furnish an account in detail of the items and services to which this payment by the Indian Go- vernment will be applicable? In putting those questions he said his object was to ascertain that no expenses which ought to be borne by the Indian Government were charged upon the Home Treasury. He also remarked that he understood that the depot battalions were to be reduced this year.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

did not see any advantage in anticipating the discussion on the Army Estimates, which would take place on Monday next. In answer to the first question of the hon. and gallant Member, he begged to state that the total force in India, exclusive of local troops, was, during the year, to consist of 56 battalions of infantry, 11 regiments of cavalry, and 16 brigades of artillery. The reply to the second question was, that the capitation rate of £10 per man was calculated on the total force of the Imperial army in India, including cavalry, infantry, and artillery, officers and men, as shown by the monthly muster rolls. The sum thus calculated was paid by the Indian Government to cover all expenses of raising and training men in the United Kingdom, and was continued until they landed in India. It did not include clothing nor kits. There was another sum of £3 10s. per man, which was calculated on a similar principle, for non-effective charges. It was estimated that those payments would in 1862–3 amount to £730,000 for effectives and £255,500 for non-effectives—giving a total of £985,000. Formerly the effective charges used to be paid over by the Indian Government to the War Office without appearing in the Estimates. In the present year, 1862–3, these charges are included, for the first time, in the Estimates, the increase in which is, therefore, in a great degree merely apparent. The money received from the Indian Government would not be deducted from the Estimates, but would be paid into the Exchequer.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

The House then went into Committee of Supply, but immediately resumed to sit again on Monday next.