§ 1. Colonel Sir C. YATEasked the Secretary of State for India if he can now state how many of the 32,000 men proposed for the Indian Auxiliary Force were voluntarily recruited up to 31st March last and, if the required numbers were not completed, what steps he proposes to take in the matter; and what was the maximum strength attained by the Indian Defence Force under the Compulsory Service Act?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)Up to the 31st March, 22,603, and up to the 30th April, 23,925 men were attested in the Auxiliary Force, India. These totals exclude men who are enrolled but have not yet attested. The maximum strength attained by the Indian Defence Force, according to the records available, was 33,451 in October, 1920.
§ Sir C. YATEWhat steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take to bring the numbers of the Auxiliary Force up to the numbers of the old Defence Force?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not propose to take any steps. The matter is entirely in the hands of the Indian Government, who will make such recommendations as they may think fit, in view of the numbers enlisted.
§ Sir C. YATEIs there any time limit for voluntary recruitment, or does it go on indefinitely?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMy hon. and gallant Friend will remember that we decided in the first instance to try voluntary enlistment. If voluntary enlistment be not a success, at any moment that the Government of India think that it is not, they may make recommendations for an alternative scheme.