HC Deb 27 July 1908 vol 193 c867
MR. G. GOOCH (Bath)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the number of Imperial troops at the present time in Natal; and what is their annual cost to the British taxpayer.

MR. HALDANE

There are at the present time rather less than 900 Imperial troops in Natal, and their cost is approximately £70,000 a year.

MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)

May I ask whether the presence of these troops does not operate to support the Natal Government in maintaining martial law?

*MR. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.