§ 1. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India how many officers and men of the British and Indian armies were killed and wounded on the north-west frontier of India from the 1st April, 1930, to the 31st March, 1931?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)The figures for the British Army are seven British other ranks killed, and one officer and 20 other ranks wounded; for the Indian Army, two British officers, one Indian officer and 18 other ranks killed, and two Indian officers and 55 other ranks wounded.
§ 2. Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India from what date to what date the covering force was employed on the Kajuri Plain near Peshawar; how it was housed; and if it was under active service conditions as regards rations, leave, and allowances?
§ Mr. BENNThe main body of the troops employed moved in on 17th October last. One Brigade was withdrawn in January and the remaining two in the middle and latter part of March. Two battalions are still maintained in the area. The troops were under canvas during the main period of operations. The area was declared a Field Service area, and Field Service conditions as regards rations, leave and allowances were applied accordingly.
§ Sir A. KNOXDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think he might suggest to the Government of India that they could issue a medal for these operations in view of the casualties and hardships suffered by the troops?
§ Mr. BENNI quite understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman's feelings. The initiative in these matters comes from the Government of India and the Army Department, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question shall be brought to their notice.
§ Sir A. KNOXWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that, no doubt, the Government of India is rather nervous about suggesting that a war took place with a Labour Government in office?