THE EARL OF MAYOMy Lords, the officers of the Indian Army receive, I believe a higher rate of pay than do the officers of the ordinary Army, but when they go to the Front it seems that deductions are made. Therefore I wish to ask why officers of the Indian Army lately arrived at the Front have to pay three francs a day for their food, and also have to pay for the keep of their horses.
THE MARQUESS OF CREWEThe noble Earl is quite right in assuming that the Indian officers who are serving at the Front get a higher rate of pay than do the British officers. They get a higher rate in India and maintain the Indian rate when they serve at the Front, and that puts them in a better position than their brothers in the Service. But while keeping the higher Indian pay they also keep the higher Indian liabilities. That is to say, in India they pay a rupee a day for food and eight annas for forage; therefore while receiving the extra pay and allowances they have to make this payment. The only subject on which complaint, I understand, has been made is that they pay rather more in France in respect of these things than they do in India.
THE MARQUESS OF CREWEWe have represented that matter to the War Office, and I understand that it is receiving sympathetic consideration there. It was last month that we asked the War Office about it, and I should hope that the rates will be equalised; but I cannot hold out I any hope that they will be spared the payment altogether, because the Indian conditions are maintained throughout.