§ 10. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether officers sent to the motor transport in India from infantry regiments, Indian Army Reserves, etc., with no experience of transport, are paid considerably higher than officers sent out from England who are experts in mechanical transport; and, if so, whether he will see that this matter is rectified?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for War to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wimbledon on the 17th instant.
§ 11. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether the North-West Frontier force was authorised to hire, and did hire, a considerable amount of mechanical transport at a price of 115 rupees per vehicle per day, the Government providing rations, accommodation, military clothing, petrol, and lubricants; and whether he will take steps to see that the mechanical transport service in India is put on such a basis that similar extravagance will not occur?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have no information bearing out the statements made by the hon. Member, but I will ask the Government of India for the facts.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWithout my going into details, will the right hon. 2157 Gentleman give very careful consideration to the conditions of mechanical transport in the Army in India? I will not say more than that.
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am giving very careful attention to it, and when the hon. Member put down this question I wrote him this morning telling him, in much more detail than is possible in answer to a question, the steps that have been taken.