§ 1. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for India when the Indian Defence Force Act comes to an end; and what steps are being taken to replace it?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The Indian Defence Force Act, 1917, as amended by the Indian Defence Force Amendment Act of 1919, expires one year after the statutory termination of the War. I am in correspondence with the Government of India regarding the force which is to replace the present Indian Defence force.
§ Colonel YATEIs there any truth in the statement in the Press that the right hon. Gentleman is delaying the presentation of this Bill in the India Council?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have delayed it to this extent, that, as at present advised, I am opposed to the institution of compulsory military service in peace time.
§ Colonel YATEConsidering the present state of India, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it right that every European in India should be trained to defend his own wife and family?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for argument.