§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether it is the case that the recent improvement in the pay and allowances of the Army Medical Service, on the faith of which the former dearth has now given place to an ample supply of highly qualified candidates, does not extend to India; whether, in every other branch of the Military Service, the increased cost of living in India is met by largely increased pay and allowances; whether there is any corresponding increase in the pay or allowances of Army 1174 Surgeons serving in India, and whether it is true that they are subjected to many expenses in the discharge of their duties from which other Officers are exempt; and, whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to the facts, with a view to the redressing of any grievance that may exist?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)In 1884, when the home rates of pay of the Army Medical Service were raised, no change was made in the Indian rates of pay, which were considered already adequate. In every branch of the Military Service Indian rates of pay of officers are higher than home rates to meet the increased cost of living in India. The Medical Branch is no exception; the rates of pay in India are higher than at home. I am not aware that Army Surgeons serving in India are subjected to expenses in the discharge of their duties from which other officers are exempt. As the facts of the case are well known it is not intended to make any inquiry into the subject.