MR. BOLANE (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the reason for the increase in the strength of the Mauritius garrison which has been taking place during the last five years; what has been the amount paid for the purchase of land from private people for military purposes during that period; what has been the cost of the erection of new barracks in Mauritius; and can he state what has been the amount of local taxation levied in order to meet this additional military expenditure.
§ MR. HALDANEThe establishment of the Mauritius garrison has been slightly reduced during the last few years, though the actual strength was somewhat depleted at the beginning of that period, owing to the war. The amount paid for purchase of land during the last five years was £4,024, and £124,050, was spent upon new barracks. As the colony pays a. fixed percentage of its revenue as a military contribution, no additional local taxation has been levied for military purposes.