HC Deb 03 March 1903 vol 118 c1230
MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can state what the decision of the Government of India has been as to the increased charge which falls upon India consequent on the new regulations for the pay of British soldiers; and, if so, when he will be prepared to lay Papers before the House.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

The Secretary of State in Council, after conferring with the Government of India, has agreed to pay the extra twopence a day per head under the new regulations, but objects to paying the whole of the additional sixpence a day for men whose service is more than three years. This part of the question will be referred to arbitration, and as soon as all the details of procedure connected with the arbitration are settled I will publish the correspondence.

MR WINSTON CHURCHILL

Is the noble Lord aware that the question was raised more than a year ago?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

Yes; but the new regulations only came into operation last April.

MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL

How much money is in dispute?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

£209,000 a year.