§ 1. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received any reports as to the progress made in the reorganisation of the cavalry and infantry of the Indian Army; whether the cavalry brigade trains and other 1740 units have been mechanised; and has he received any figures of the additional cost?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)I am circulating a detailed reply, as it has to cover a number of particulars.
§ Following is the Statement:
§ The reorganisation of cavalry and infantry units of the Army in India so as to conform with changes made at home in the direction of providing machine gun companies was given effect on the 1st July, 1929. The Government of India have estimated the financial effect as involving Rs.27 lakhs of initial expenditure and a recurring annual saving of Rs.6 lakhs. Apart from this reorganisation the mechanisation of the following units is now in process of being completed:
| 1 | Cavalry Brigade Train, |
| 1 | Divisional Train, |
| 1 | Field Artillery Brigade, |
| 1 | Field Artillery Brigade Ammunition Column, |
| 2 | Divisional Ammunition Columns. |
§ It is not possible at present to give details of the cost of these particular measures.