§ 4. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India how many Indian cavalry regiments have been disbanded; whether they were pre-War regiments; how many men have been disbanded; and what pensions are being given to them?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThree Indian Cavalry Regiments were disbanded on 10th January, 1919, and the fifth additional squadrons of four Indian Cavalry Regiments were disbanded during the year 1920. None of these regiments of squadrons were pre-War units. The establishment of the above units would amount to 2,160. Men serving on ordinary engagements get on disbandment certain special concessions in the way of pension or gratuity. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of these rules.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman take great care that these men do not go back to their homes and form the focus of discontent in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI think that is a very important consideration, and I will forward my hon. Friend's suggestion to the Government of India for consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not the loss of these regiments compensated for by the development of flying squadrons in India, and can we not look for some further economies by aeroplanes taking the place of cavalry?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIn determining the post-War army in India all these facts will be taken into consideration.
§ Colonel Sir C. YATEIs it not a fact that two squadrons of aeroplanes were disbanded a short time ago in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUYes, I believe there was a reduction of two squadrons of aeroplanes.
1. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding recent or prospective reductions in the Indian Army?
§ 6. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the anxiety caused in India by the proposal to reduce the Army below pre-War limits; whether such proposals had the approval of the Commandor-in-Chief; and when the decision was arrived at?
§ 8. Sir C. YATEasked the Secretary of State for India how many regiments of cavalry and battalions of infantry are to be reduced in the Indian Army; what was the number of each in 1914; and what will be the number when the proposed reductions are carried out?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThere were in India and Aden in 1914: 39 Indian cavalry regiments, 132 battalions of Indian infantry and pioneers, and, in addition, 6 Indian infantry battalions in overseas garrisons. Arrangements are now being made to maintain in India: 21 Indian cavalry regiments, 132 battalions of Indian infantry and pioneers, with a somewhat reduced establishment. In addition there will remain the Indian cavalry and infantry units employed overseas. But the question of the final post-War strength of the Army in India is engaging the close attention of His Majesty's Government, and I hope to make a statement to-day fortnight.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI hope I am not pressing the right hon. Gentleman too far, but may I have the assur- 897 ance that pending the statement no further reductions shall take place?
§ Mr. MONTAGUYes. Pending that statement no further reductions are contemplated.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTIn view of the fact that the last answer seems to contradict the answer to a previous question may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the discrepancy in the number of cavalry regiments, between 39 and 21, is made up by cavalry regiments serving in other theatres, or is there a reduction?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe previous question referred to reductions already made. This refers to reductions that are to be made.
§ Lieut-Colonel CROFTIs it a fact that there is to be a very considerable reduction in Indian cavalry regiments?
§ Mr. MONTAGUYes, there is to be a considerable reduction. I think I shall be able to explain it to the satisfaction of the hon. and gallant Member this day fortnight, when I hope to make a statement on the whole question.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of Question 6, whether such proposals had the approval of the Commander-in-Chief, and when the decision was arrived at?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI think the whole position will be made quite clear when I am in a position to make a statement. No reduction has yet been sanctioned on which there has been dissension of any sort or kind in the government of India.
§ Sir C. YATEHow many regiments are serving abroad, and, deducting these, to what number will it actually be reduced?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI should like to consult the War Office before I say how many cavalry regiments are serving abroad, for very obvious reasons. If the hon. Member will put down a question I will discuss with the War Office whether it is possible to give the information without prejudice to the public interest.