HC Deb 11 May 1903 vol 122 cc295-6
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can take steps to place the Mounted Infantry, King's Royal Rifle Corps, which is the only European unit in the force on service in Somaliland, and is drawing British pay and allowances, on the same footing as the Indian troops, who are drawing Indian pay and field batta.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The Indian troops have been specially allowed to retain their Indian pay in order that they shall not suffer by reason of their employment outside India. It would be contrary to precedent to grant British troops Indian rates of pay, and the distinction has been observed in China and elsewhere where troops on the British and Indian establishments have served side by side.