§ 59. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War the establishment of the British battalion in India; and the average strength at the present date?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe present peace establishment of a British battalion in India is 28 officers and 863 other ranks, and the average strength of British battalions in India on 1st December last was 26 officers and 716 other ranks. The establishment is under review by the Indian Government.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not a fact that this establishment has been greatly reduced lately?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI do not think that it has been reduced, but it probably will be.
§ 60. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War the strength of the British Army in India on 1st December or nearest date; and the strength on the corresponding date in 1936?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe strength on 1st December last of British troops serving in India was 45,547 officers and men, and on the corresponding date in 1936, 58,611 officers and men. The latter figure was about 2,400 in excess of establishment.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not a fact that the strength of the British Army in India is lower to-day than it has ever been for 100 years?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am not quite sure that that is so, but my hon. and gallant Friend will recollect that I dealt with this subject in connection with my last Army Estimates, and that we are seeking at this date a redisposition of the British Forces in the Empire.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not a fact that four battalions have been withdrawn from the establishment?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir, four battalions, and also one cavalry regiment.
§ Sir S. ReedIs it not a fact that the defence of India is primarily a naval and not a military question?