HC Deb 02 March 1896 vol 37 cc1467-8
MR. T. R. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India (1) whether the 24th Bombay Native Infantry, or other force, has been ordered to proceed to British East Africa to engage in military operations; and (2) whether, as this is an employment of the Indian forces in military operations beyond the external frontiers of Her Majesty's Indian Possessions, he intends, at an early date, to submit a Motion to the House, in accordance with the 55th Section of the Government of India Act?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

My answer to the first Question is in the affirmative. As regards the section of the Act referred to in the second Question, I am advised that its restriction is purely financial—namely, that the revenues of India shall not, without the assent of Parliament, be applicable to defray the expenses of any military operations carried on beyond the frontiers of India by Her Majesty's forces charged upon Indian revenues. I am in communication with the Foreign Office and Treasury as to how the expenditure in connection with this regiment is to be met, and, until this question is settled, I cannot say if it will be necessary under the section to submit any Motion to the House.

SIR C. DILKE

Can the noble Lord say to whom this regiment is lent, and, if to the Zanzibar Government, can he say whether he has made any stipulation on behalf of India with regard to the command of the force of which it forms part, in fact, under whose direction it is to be?

LORD G. HAMILTON

It will be under the command of its colonel, who will supersede the officers at present in charge.

MR. BUCHANAN

If the Secretary of State determines that any part of the expense shall be borne by India, will a Resolution be submitted to the House?

LORD G. HAMILTON

I will take care that the section is not infringed.