Sir J. DAVIDSON (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for War what is the specific object of his projected tour in India, and if the cost thereof is to be borne by the Exchequer, by the Government of India, or by himself?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSMy visit to India is in no sense an official inspection of the British troops there for whom the Government of India is solely responsible. But there are many important problems of finance, organisation and administration, e.g., the lines on which future progress in mechanisation is to be made and the future composition of various units of the British Army which-depend for their successful solution upon, a common policy agreed with the Indian authorities. I hope from my visit to India and my discussion with the various authorities there to be able to make some progress in dealing with these and similar matters. The only charge in connection with my visit which will fall on British or Indian funds is the cost of my own passage to India, some £250, which will be defrayed from Army Funds.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISCan my right hon. Friend say whether any officer from the War Office is to accompany the Secretary of State for War?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAn officer from the General Staff who was going in any event will go with me.
Sir J. DAVIDSONIn view of the request of the Secretary of State for War that I should postpone my further question, I do not propose to put it to-day.