§ 46. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Prime Minister to state the composition of the Sub-Committee of Imperial Defence to report upon the constitution and strength of the Army in India?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINA Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence has not been specially appointed to consider the constitution and strength of the Army in India
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSDid we not have a pledge from the Secretary of State for India, and was I not asked to put this question to the Prime Minister?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid I am not in a position to make an explanation. This matter has not come under the consideration of the Imperial Defence Committee, and up to the present no sub-Committee has been appointed, and I cannot definitely say whether a sub- 104 Committee will be appointed. It may be that a Committee of the Imperial Defence Committee will consider it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTWill the Cabinet consider the whole question before proceeding to the disbandment of regiments of the Regular Army in this country and the great reduction of regiments in India? Before any final steps are taken will they consider the question as a whole?
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTHas the question been before the Defence Committee?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI should not like to say without notice. I think not by the Committee of Imperial Defence. I think it was considered by the Cabinet as a whole.