HC Deb 17 July 1900 vol 86 cc218-9
MR. MACLEAN (Cardiff)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the force of British and Native troops under orders for China has been again increased. What is now the total strength of the withdrawals from the Indian Establishment for service abroad, and whether the Viceroy is satisfied that all these troops can be spared. And whether the present Acting Commander-in-Chief in India is a member of the Viceroy's executive council, which issues orders for the despatch of troops on foreign service.

The following question on the same subject also appeared on the Paper:—

MR. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, E.)

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to despatch from India additional British and Native regiments for service in China, and what steps are being taken to supply the place of these and the other forces now serving out of India.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Baling

Since I last replied to the hon. Member's enquiries on the subject (21st and 26th June)† it has been decided to increase the strength of the force proceeding from India to China by about 6,000 men, which, with the exception of two batteries of artillery, is entirely drawn from the Native Army. This raises the total number of troops withdrawn from the Indian Establishment for service in China and elsewhere to about 22,000. These movements have the full concurrence of the Viceroy. The provisional Commander-in-Chief in India is not a member of the Viceroy's executive council, but he is the adviser of the Viceroy on military questions.

MR. BUCHANAN

Then there is no truth in the statement that no British regiments are included in the division.

LORD G. HAMILTON

It is a mere newspaper rumour.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Upon which exchequer will the cost fall—the Imperial or the Indian?

* MR. SPEAKER

Notice must be given of that question.