HC Deb 24 March 1914 vol 60 cc175-6
19. Viscount VALENTIA

asked if is the intention of the Army Council to bring home this year either of the two Cavalry regiments quartered in South Africa; and, if so, which of them?

Colonel SEELY

I would refer the Noble Viscount to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the North Dorset Division on the 6th inst. There is nothing that I can add.

Viscount VALENTIA

Will the same order be observed in bringing the troops home as obtained when they went, out from this country?

Colonel SEELY

I could not be expected to answer that question without notice.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

How does the War Secretary explain the continued existence of British troops in South Africa now?

Colonel SEELY

I have stated that the policy of the Government is to make a progressive diminution in the garrison in South Africa, but I cannot hold out the hope that the garrison will entirely disappear, in view of our special responsibility to the Protectorates and the native races.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Have not the Boers proved during the recent trouble quite able to protect the native races themselves?

Colonel SEELY

I referred to the Protectorates under our control.