§ SIR CARNE RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)To ask the Secretary of State for India why cavalry officers in India are ordered to pay for a second charger and saddlery, when horses and equipment are supplied free at home.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) Officers of British mounted units in India are at present permitted to hire one charger each at a rate of £10 a year.
†See page 80.605 Arrangements are contemplated for allowing in future each officer two chargers under the same conditions. For each authorised charger an allowance of thirty rupees a month is given for upkeep and saddlery. In view of the circumstances of Indian life, in which every British officer maintains one or more horses at his own expense, the issue of chargers free of cost is considered unnecessary.