§ MR. SEALE-HAYNE (Devonshire, Ashburton)On behalf of the hon. Member for the South Molton Division of Devonshire, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Government of India has been consulted upon the proposed increased cost of £786,000 a year of the British Army in India; if so, what reply was given; and whether the relief by Indian troops of five British garrisons in the tropics has been effected, as foreshadowed in his speech of last year, and whether the British or Indian Government will bear the cost.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe Government of India have been informed that the Home Government find it necessary to raise the pay of the soldier in order to obtain the recruits necessary to fully maintain the Army at home and abroad. This intimation was made as early as possible to the Indian Government, and any representation which they may make to the Indian Council will be carefully considered by His Majesty's Government. In reference to the second sentence, the relief mentioned has been effected, and the whole cost is being borne by the Imperial Exchequer.