IN the house of Common Mr. Montagu, replying to Sir J.D. Rees, said:- the beginning of the war the following improvements in the conditions of service of Indian officers and soldiers have been made, namely:-free rations are given to all ranks on field service, batta have been increased, and special allowances have been granted in respect of service in certain fields of operations outside India; the scale and conditions relating to pensions have been improved and a large number of rewards for distinguished war service in the form of land grants or special pensions have been sanctioned, the pay of ranks have been sanctioned, the pay of ranks above sepoy and sowar has been increased and recruits are given a bonus on joining.