Mr. BECKERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the strength of the Iraq native armies, both in officers and men; and if this force is sufficient to protect the country and maintain order if we withdraw our troops?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Members for Luton (Sir J. Hewett) and Kidderminster (Mr. Milne) on the 20th February.
Mr. J. HOPE SIMPSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, while local 282W British Empire, respectively, for the years 1913, 1921, and 1922?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe following statement gives the information desired by the hon. Member, as far as the particulars are available.
levies employed under the orders of Sir Percy Cox in Iraq are paid at the rate of 40 rupees a month with 15 rupees in addition as diet money, King Feisal can only afford to offer 30 rupees a month without additional diet allowance: and whether, as a result of the difference in pay, it is found difficult to recruit men for King Feisal's levies?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am not aware of the facts stated in either part of the question. The total pay of the levies varies from rupees 35, to rupees 45 a month; that of the Iraq Army from rupees 30 to rupees 40 a month. In both forces the men receive in addition to pay rations or ration allowance to the amount of rupees 15 a month.