§ MR. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India what will be the composition of the force of the third Indian Brigade now placed under orders for China, and will it consist of British or native troops; will the expenses of this force also be borne by the Imperial Exchequer; and what steps will be forthwith taken to supply this further depletion of the defensive forces of India.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingThe composition of the third Indian Brigade now under orders for China will be four native infantry regiments. The expenses of this force will be borne by the Imperial Exchequer. As the Reserve of the native Army was below the fixed establishment, I have authorised a temporary addition to it of 4,000 native infantry.