§ 4. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for India if he will state what has been the approximate cost of keeping British troops in India from the beginning of the current financial year to 31st October; and what is the estimated cost for the whole financial year?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe number of British troops kept in India this year has not at any point of time materially exceeded the strength of the normal garrison of British troops, which is about 76,000, and at the present moment is actually below the normal strength. I have not figures showing the estimated cost in 1919–1920 under all heads of the British garrison, but any increase over the cost in previous years is due not to increased numbers but chiefly to higher rates of pay, gratuities, and bonuses.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs this cost borne by the Indian or Imperial Exchequer?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe normal cost of the garrison in India is borne by the Indian Exchequer, but certain portions of the pay are due to war conditions, and those are borne by the Imperial Exchequer.