§ 7. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that military expenditure in India amounts to Rs. 60 crores as against an expenditure of about Rs. 29 crores in 1913; that the Inchcape Committee of 1922 recommended a maximum expendi- 4 ture of Rs. 50 crores and that the Meston Committee in 1919 recommended an expenditure of Rs. 42 crores; and whether, in view of the fact that there is dissatisfaction in India concerning military expenditure, he will take the necessary steps for accelerating the Indianisation of the Army in India in order that these expenses may be reduced?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe Budget Estimate for Indian military expenditure for 1925–26 is just under Rs. 57 crores and shows a reduction of 30 per cent. in the last four years. This reduction fulfils the anticipation expressed by the Inchcape Committee that their recommendations would enable estimates to be reduced to 57 crores in the years subsequent to 1923–24. They were also of opinion that if a further fall of prices took place it might be possible after a few years to reduce the military expenditure to 50 crores, an opinion to which the Commander-in-Chief could not subscribe. I am in doubt what the hon. Member means by the Meston Committee. Indianisation is necessarily governed by considerations of efficiency and security.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre any steps being taken to carry out the Indianisation of the Army?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe steps which I have mentioned on several occasions in Debate have been taken in the past. If the hon. Gentleman wants specific information, he had better put a question on the Paper.