HC Deb 10 March 1892 vol 2 cc533-4
MR. SUMMERS

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the basis on which it is estimated that the expenditure for raising and training recruits for India was £750,000 in 1891–2, and will be £850,000 in 1892–3; whether his attention has been called to the statement that this large sum of money "is simply a tribute paid by India to the War Office for the privilege of receiving British regiments on loan at India's expense from the moment they leave England until the day when they are safely landed back again"; and whether the increase for the coming year of £100,000 under this head has been made with the sanction and approval of the Indian Government?

MR. E. STANHOPE

The sum to be paid by India for effective charges in 1890 exceeds that of the previous year, because there is included an estimated sum for arrears for 1887–88, of which the final adjustment has not yet been made. The exact amount to be awarded will be determined by Lord Northbrook's Committee. The state- ment referred to in the second paragraph of the question seems to me quite inaccurate. India pays partially the cost of raising and training the drafts required to keep the European Army in that Dependency complete and efficient.

MR. SUMMERS

I would like the right hon. Gentleman to answer the last paragraph of the question, which I think he has omitted.

MR. E. STANHOPE

I think it is apparent that the precise amount will be settled by Lord Northbrook's Committee, and neither by the Indian Government nor the War Office.

MR. MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Is it not the fact that the people of India pay all the expenses of the troops in India?

MR. E. STANHOPE

Certainly.

MR. MACNEILL

And is it not the fact that the removing charges are being increased this year by £100,000?

MR. E. STANHOPE

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman must ask the representative of the India Office about that.