HC Deb 07 November 1882 vol 274 cc944-5
MR. BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for India, When the representatives of the Indian troops lately engaged in Egypt will arrive in this Country, and how many native officers and men are expected; and, what steps have been taken to give them a reception, on their arrival, worthy of their brilliant services in Egypt, and more especially of the remarkable march of their Cavalry under General Drury-Lowe from Tel-el-Kebir to Cairo on the 15th of September.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

The Lusitania, bringing 13 Native commissioned officers, 7 Native non-commissioned officers, and 10 or 12 orderlies of the Indian Contingent, is expected to arrive in Portsmouth Harbour to-morrow morning. The principal object of the bringing of these officers and noncommissioned officers to this country is their reception by the Queen, as representing the corps of the Indian Army engaged in Egypt. Although the detailed arrangements are not yet complete, Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to express her intention to receive these officers, and I hope it may be possible for them to receive the medal for the campaign at the hands of Her Majesty. This, I believe, they would consider to be the highest honour that can be conferred upon them. All the arrangements for the reception of these officers have been made, as far as possible. A suitable house has been retained for their reception, near London, at Wimbledon, and General Sir Henry Daly, a distinguished Indian officer, having a great acquaintance with the Indian Army, has been good enough to promise to devote his time to these officers during their visit. I have no doubt that it will be within the power of those who have charge of them to make their visit not only, as it is intended to be, an honour to the Army to which they belong, but to make it satisfactory and agreeable to themselves.

COLONEL STANLEY

In consequence of that answer, and bearing in mind what was said in 1878, may I ask whether it would be necessary to ask for the legislative sanction of Parliament for bringing a detachment of Native troops from India to this country?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman will, perhaps, give Notice of that Question.

MR. GORST

Will the Indian troops be subject while here to the provisions of the Mutiny Act?

[No answer was given.]