§ 5. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the complaints by ex-covenant engineers, Public Works, Department, regarding the manner in which they have been placed on the permanent cadre as affecting their pay, promotion, and pension; whether the placing of these officers on the cadre has boon in accordance with any rule or with their qualifications and the recommendations of the local governments under which they served; whether it was intended that these officers, who were recruited at an age above the normal, should be excluded from the concessions extended by Article 404A of the Civil 3 Service Regulations to officers in other services similarly recruited; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe engineers referred to were originally engaged for temporary service only. They were ultimately offered and accepted appointments on the permanent cadre, not in accordance with any rule, but as a special concession and on special conditions which, having regard to all the circumstances, appeared reasonable in each individual case. Some of them have in the past submitted memorials to the Secretary of State praying for improvements in their conditions of service, but these have, after full consideration, been rejected. My Noble Friend sees no ground for taking any action in the matter.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONWill the Noble Lord be prepared to consider the case further if I send him a statement on it?
§ Earl WINTERTONOf course, I shall be prepared to consider any statement the hon. Gentleman sends me, but I cannot give him any promise that the policy will be altered.