§ 42. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for War particulars of the effective cost of maintaining the British troops in the China command for the 12 months ended the last convenient date; does an Indian battalion form part of this garrison; and whether the whole of the cost of same is borne by Army funds?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe effective expenditure on our military garrison in China for the year ended 31st March, 1938, was £1,817,082, excluding recruiting and training expenses at home. Towards this sum, the Hong Kong Government contributed £337,000. An infantry battalion of the Indian Army is permanently lent for Imperial service at Hong Kong and forms part of the military garrison; its whole cost, estimated at £90,000 a year, is borne by Army Funds. Since September, 1937, a second infantry battalion of the Indian Army has been on loan from India for service at Hong Kong, the whole cost of which is, similarly, borne by Army Funds.
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaNo, Sir. I have given an answer explaining the allocation of the expenditure.