HC Deb 14 June 1921 vol 143 cc196-7
5. Sir C. YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the proposal for the establishment and the number of units of the Indian Army in each arm of the service to be maintained in India, namely, 21 cavalry regiments and 132 infantry battalions, are based upon what was required by the Commander-in-Chief in India for the defence of India, namely, the 340,000 men employed for that purpose during the operations in 1919, or on the present demands of the Finance Department of the Government of India for reduction without consideration for the necessities of the defence of India; what is the total gross revenue of India, including the receipts both of the Government of India and of all the different Provinces; what is the proposed military expenditure after the proposed reductions in the Indian Army have been carried out; and what percentage does that expenditure bear to the gross revenue of British India?

Mr. MONTAGU

As regards the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I regret that I can add nothing to the reply given in this House on 7th June, in which I informed him that the proposals were submitted by the Commander-in-Chief and based upon a detailed examination of what is required for the defence of India. The proposed military expenditure is 62.20 crores. The figures for the gross revenue of all the Provinces have not yet been received, so that I regret I cannot at present say what percentage of the gross revenue the proposed military expenditure represents. If my hon. and gallant Friend wishes it I will obtain the figures for which he has asked, but I would take this opportunity of pointing out that a more satisfactory comparison would probably be that between the proposed military expenditure and the net revenue of the Government of India.

Sir C. YATE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will have the figures?

Mr. MONTAGU

If my hon. Friend will tell me which figures he prefers, I will communicate with the Government of India, and try to get them.

Sir C. YATE

The gross figures, both for the Government of India and the provinces.