§ SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India what was the strength in non-commissioned officers and men of the European forces on the Indian establishment in India on 1st January, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, and 1900.
§ * LORD G. HAMILTONThe effective strength of non-commissioned officers and men of the British forces in India on the dates mentioned was as follows:—1st January, 1896, 70,615; 1st January,, 1897, 70,400; 1st January, 1898, 67,808;; 1st January, 1899, 68,578; and 1st January, 1900, 62,220.
§ SIR CHARLES DILKEHave any steps been taken to make up the deficiency?
§ * LORD G. HAMILTONNo steps have been taken to replace the regiments sent to South Africa.