§ 54. Sir CHARLES HUNTERasked the Secretary of State for War if, owing to the falling off in recruiting for the Regular Army, it has been found necessary to offer a bounty to time-expired men in India in order to get them to re-engage; and what would be the probable shortage during the coming Indian relief season if the men do not accept the terms offered?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)Questions bearing on this matter were answered yesterday by the Under-Secretary of State for India and by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. I would add that the principal reason for offering bounties has been the abnormal wastage due to occur in Infantry battalions in India arising from abnormal recruiting in previous years. The amount of the possible shortage is at present a matter of estimate only, and it is not desirable for several reasons to state a figure.
§ Sir C. HUNTERWould the right hon. Gentleman say what the poundage offered amounts to?
§ Mr. TENNANTI must ask for notice.
§ Colonel GREIGIs it not a fact that nothwithstanding the falling off in recruiting for the Regular Army during the last recruiting year the number of recruits taken during that year is greater than any time during the last five years for the naval and military forces of the Crown?
§ Mr. TENNANTI believe my hon. Friend is substantially correct.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODHas the new offer of the bounty been a success or not?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is too soon to say.