HC Deb 20 February 1900 vol 79 cc559-60
MR. DILLON () Mayo, E.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a large number of Indians in Natal have offered their services free of cost and whether and to what extent that offer has been accepted.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. A number of Natal Indians volunteered for service in any capacity without remuneration, and though their services as soldiers were not accepted, they were engaged to act as leaders for the Indian ambulance bearers. I do not know the exact number so employed. The facts are stated at page 249 of Cd. 43.

MR. DILLON

In view of the large pay being given to the colonial soldiers, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the desirability of offering some remuneration to these Indians?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that would be a courteous way of treating their offer to serve without remuneration.