§ 39. Mr. HARRISasked the Secretary of State for War how many battalions of British troops are in China; where they are located; and whether he intends to increase or decrease their number in the near future?
§ Mr. SHAWThere are at present in China six British battalions and one Indian battalion distributed as follows: at Hong Kong, two British and one Indian battalion; at Shanghai, two battalions and in the Tientsin Area two battalions. The question of the number of troops in China is engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government but no conclusion has yet been reached on the matter. There is no intention of increasing the number of battalions in China in the near future.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that the present number of troops is adequate, or that it is too large?
§ Mr. SHAWI have already said that the matter is under consideration, and, to give an opinion before that consideration would, I think, not be quite safe.
§ Captain CAZALETWhat is the annual cost of maintaining these troops?