§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Under Secretary of State for India, If he can state how many, if any, of the Natives of India, appointed under the Act 33 Vic. c. 3, to offices previously reserved to the Covenanted Civil Service, are really men of "proved merit 1753 and ability," (as provided by the Statute) who have proved these qualities by action in the public service; and, whether most of the Natives so appointed to the Civil Service under Lord Lytton's rules are young gentlemen selected by pure patronage, with no other proved merit and ability than assurances that they are promising or well-connected young men?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSNatives of India appointed to the Civil Service under the Statutory Rules—framed in exercise of the powers given by 33 Viet., c. 3, s. 6—are nominated by the Local Governments subject to the approval of the Governor General in Council. The appointments being entirely in the hands of the Local Governments, the Secretary of State is not informed as to the particular qualifications of the gentlemen who are from time to time appointed. Every appointment is in the first instance provisional, the nominee being on probation for at least two years. No one is finally admitted into the service until the Local Government has reported to the Government of India that he has acquitted himself satisfactorily during his term of probation, and has passed all the prescribed examinations. The Rules also provide that no one can be nominated for employment if more than 25 years of age, except on grounds of merit and ability proved in the service of Government, or in the practice of a profession, clearly indicating that men of proved merit and ability can be appointed.
§ In answer to a further Question by Mr. MACFARLANE,
§ MR. J. K. CROSSIt certainly is not intended to invest anyone with jurisdiction over Europeans who has not a perfect knowledge of the English language.
§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Under Secretary of State for India whether it was the new measure, or the Act of 1833, which laid down the position that a knowledge of the English language should be a necessary qualification?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSThe now offices about to be conferred will depend upon the will of the Viceroy, who would never think of appointing, in any circumstances, anyone who did not understand English.