§ MR. H. J. WILSON (Yorkshire, W.R., Holmfirth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he will state what is the amount estimated for cost of buildings and other initial outlay to be incurred in respect of the new scheme for mounted infantry regiments in India; and what is the consequent anticipated annual addition to Indian military expenditure; are any of the British troops while stationed in India to be included under this system of special training; what portion of this mounted infantry will be liable to be called upon for service outside of India; and what proportion of the cost of this addition to the military forces of the Empire will be borne by the British Treasury.
§ *LORD G. HAMILTONThe Government of India has estimated that the cost of accommodation for the mounted infantry will be Rs. 11,75,400, and that the further outlay will be initial Rs. 4,28,337 and recurring Rs. 4,91,088. The mounted infantry will be taken from both British and Native troops, and all might be liable for service outside India under the same conditions as the rest of the Indian Army. No proportion of the cost will be borne by the British Treasury.