HC Deb 12 December 1944 vol 406 cc1040-1
51. Sir H. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the expenses of Indian troops stationed in the United Kingdom are borne by His Majesty's Government or by the Government of India; and whether these expenses result in a corresponding reduction of the Indian sterling balances.

Sir J. Anderson

No Indian troops are stationed in the United Kingdom. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Sir H. Williams

My right hon. Friend says that there are no Indian troops in this country; do they not come here every Thursday morning under the care of the hon. and gallant Member for South Portsmouth (Sir J. Lucas)? When we all know that there are units of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps in this country, how can my right hon. Friend make that statement which our own eyes see to be wrong?

Sir J. Anderson

I have given the information that was conveyed to me. I will make inquiry and if I am wrong I will tender an apology.

Sir H. Williams

If my right hon. Friend walks through the Lobby he must have seen these men.

Sir J. Anderson

I understand that the unit which was in this country has been sent back.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I saw them three days ago?

52. Sir H. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the expenses of Indian troops stationed outside India and the United Kingdom are borne by His Majesty's Government or by the Government of India; and whether these expenses lead to a corresponding increase of this country's indebtedness towards the countries in which they are incurred.

Sir J. Anderson

Under the agreement referred to in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 14th November, 1944, His Majesty's Government meet the expenses of Indian troops employed outside India, less the normal cost, which is borne by the Government of India, of certain troops earmarked before the war for external defence. With regard to the second part of the Question, such expenditure, whether met by His Majesty's Government or by the Government of India, is, of course, one of the factors determining the level of sterling balances held by the country where the troops are stationed.