§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can state the rate of demobilisation in the Indian Army; whether there is any insistent demand for a policy of demobilisation; and whether he proposes to retain with the Colours for the time being a number of troops sufficient for all possible purposes both in India and in countries adjacent to it?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Indian Army is being demobilised as rapidly as circumstances permit. About 250,000 combatant ranks have already been discharged. It is proposed to retain with the Colours in India a force sufficient to provide for the normal requirements of India and for keeping up the strength of Indian troops employed in occupied territories and Colonial stations. Demobilisation within practicable limits is favoured by the Government of India and by public opinion in India.