§ MR. HAROLD COX (Preston)To ask the Secretary of State for War what is the force of British troops now stationed in South Africa; what is the annual cost of that force, including a due allowance for the capital cost of barracks, etc.; and whether the whole cost of that force is borne by the taxpayers of the United Kingdom.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The establishment of British troops in South Africa is about 20,000 of all ranks. The annual cost of the force, including allowance for the capital cost of barracks, etc., is about £2,400,000. Under present arrangements Natal makes a contribution of £4,000 a year.