§ SIR H. HAVELOCK-ALLAN (Durham, S.E.)asked the Secretary of State for India, with reference to the Debate last night on the Indian Budget speeches regarding the Indian Army, whether he could state to the House that the Royal Commission presided over by Lord Welby would be directed, either during the Recess or early next year, to take evidence about the officering of the Indian Army on the points raised by some remarks recently made by Viscount Wolseley, Commander-in-Chief?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingMy hon. and gallant Friend will see that a Financial Commission presided over by Lord Welby is hardly a proper tribunal for inquiring into the efficiency of the Indian Army. I noticed what my hon. and gallant Friend said last night. His observations were endorsed by Sir Henry Bracken-bury, and I will gladly consider them. If, on inquiry, I find that the Indian Army requires more British officers, I will see what can be done; but, on the other hand, I must have regard to the financial consequences which such changes entail.