MR. H. ROBERTSI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he will state what is the number of places for the Indian Civil Service to be offered this year, and what was the number allotted in the same service in the year 1884; and whether he will inform the 42 House what is the principle by which the number of annual appointments in this service is regulated?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIAThe number of appointments offered this year is 65. In 1884 the number was 36; but since 1887 provision has had to be made for the Burmah Commission. The number of places to be offered annually is settled quinquennially with reference to the number of sanctioned posts; but this settlement is modified from time to time with reference to the actual state of the service, which is reported to be much depleted at present.