§ MR. H. C. RICHARDS (Finsbury, E.)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can state to what extent the Supply and Transport service of the Indian Army in the commissioned ranks is short of its proper establishment, and give the total number of commissioned officers sanctioned for that establishment, the number on leave, and the actual number on duty; what number of Officers have volunteered for the Supply and Transport Service during the past twelve months; and, should volunteers not come forward in sufficient numbers, how he proposes to fill the vacancies, and in the meantime how the work of the Department is carried on.
1531 (Answer.) A large increase of the establishment of the Supply and Transport Corps has lately been sanctioned, and important measures have been sanctioned for increasing the popularity of the service; but there has not been time for this to take effect fully; and the number of commissioned officers is at present about 25 per cent. below its established strength, as lately increased. Meanwhile regimental officers are temporarily employed in the corps. I am unable to answer the other portions of the hon. Member's Question.—(India Office.)