HC Deb 30 March 1909 vol 3 cc168-9
Mr. SMEATON

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether the abolition of the department of military supply in India will be followed by a substantial reduction of expenditure; if so, can be give the House a rough estimate of the saving; and would the measure result in finally putting an end to the controversy which arose during the late viceroyalty, and give the Commander-in-Chief that direct access to the Viceroy which Lord Kitchener claimed in 1904–5?

Mr. BUCHANAN

The Government of India estimate that an annual saving of very nearly £11,000 will result. As to the second question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Papers recently presented to Parliament, which show exactly what will be the relations between the Commander-in-Chief, as Member of Council in charge of the Army Department, and the Viceroy.

Mr. SMEATON

By the new scheme, does the Commander-in-Chief, or does he not, obtain direct access to the Viceroy?

Mr. BUCHANAN

I think he has direct access.