§ THE EARL OF ELLENBOROUGHsaid, he believed that in consequence of the intelligence recently received from India, it would be satisfactory to the House and the public, if the noble Lord the Secretary for War would state what measures he intended to adopt for the purpose of reinforcing the army in that country with European troops.
§ LORD PANMUREsaid, that the intelligence recently received from India had 481 not been such as to create any apprehension in the minds of Her Majesty's Ministers for the safety of our Indian empire. But at the same time, as it was intended that the expedition to China should consist of troops that had originally been destined for India, four other regiments would be ordered to proceed to the latter country in the course of the next five weeks. The reason why they were not to be sent out at an earlier period was, that if they were to leave England before the second week in June they would reach their destination at a peculiarly unhealthy season of the year. If it should unfortunately turn out that an increase would be required in the number of European troops usually stationed in India, the regiments who would in the ordinary course of things be relieved by those who were to embark from our shores in the month of June would be retained in that country. But he did not apprehend that any necessity would arise for the adoption of such a measure.
§ THE EARL OF ELLENBOROUGHwished to know what was the number of recruits that were to be sent out to India?
§ LORD PANMUREsaid, that the number of recruits to be sent out in June would amount to 4000.