HC Deb 07 June 1875 vol 224 c1462
MR. LOWE

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether, in accordance with the intention expressed in the letter of the Indian Government of October 30th, 1873, that Government has arranged— With the different administrations a systematic rule of procedure whereby the preferential claims of civilians shall he brought forward and considered by the Government of India whenever an office falls vacant for which civilians are eligible, and to which no other officer has his superior claim by reason of seniority, local standing, or special qualifications. And, whether he will lay such arrangement before the House? He should also like to know, whether there is any objection to have the matter referred to a Select Committee?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

Sir, we have not yet received from the Indian Government these rules of procedure; but there will be no objection to lay them upon the Table of the House when received. The Viceroy has directed a special inquiry to be made into the subject, which is one of no little difficulty, and cannot be very quickly settled. It would not, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, be expedient to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the matter, inasmuch as it is one which requires for a satisfactory settlement a minute and thorough local knowledge of the wants and peculiarities of the different administrations concerned.