HC Deb 06 April 1921 vol 140 cc243-4
5. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the main and fundamental recommendations of the Esher Committee have yet come before His Majesty's Government after consideration by himself in Council?

Mr. MONTAGU

The answer is in the negative.

7. Sir C. YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Army in India has already been reduced by 6,000 British and 7,500 Indian troops under pre-War strength; and, if so, whether the safety of carrying out such large reductions in the Army in the face of the agitation and unrest now rampant in India has been considered?

Mr. MONTAGU

The present proposals of the Government of India, if they are eventually sanctioned, will have the effect of reducing the fighting units of the Army in India approximately to the extent mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. The proposals have been made by the Government of India on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief, after full consideration of all the factors in the situation, of which not the least important is the improved mobility and equipment of the Army in such matters, for instance, as the establishment of the Air Force and the provision of armoured cars, which to a large extent compensates for the reduction in personnel. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the whole question is to be considered by a sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Sir C. YATE

Are we to understand that these reductions have already been carried out?

Mr. MONTAGU

It is not accurate to say that the reduction in the British forces has been sanctioned; what has occurred is that a considerable number of British forces in India left India for War purposes and have not yet returned.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the agitation and unrest now rampant in India would not be more speedily reduced by cutting down expenditure rather than by the keeping up of unnecessary expenditure at a time of such great economic trouble in India?

Mr. MONTAGU

I do not think that anyone wants unnecessary expenditure, but what we are determined to see is that the armed forces of the Crown in India are adequate for the protection of India.