§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a vacancy recently occurred in the Punjab chief Court, owing to the retiral of an Indian native Judge who had occupied the position for fifteen years; that the vacancy has been filled by a European member of the Civil Service; that in the appointment of a temporary additional Judge at the same Court the native leader of the bar, who had formerly held a temporary judgeship and is believed to have been again recommended by the chief Judge of the civil Court, was passed over; and whether he can explain on what grounds these appointments are made.
§ MR. BUCHANANI understand that the place of the Indian Judge, who has retired from the bench of the Punjab chief Court has been filled by the confirmation of a civilian Judge who has been officiating in the Court for three years past. But an additional appointment of a Judge in the Court which has recently been sanctioned has been conferred upon an Indian gentleman who is a barrister. These appointments are made by the Government of India, not by the Secretary of State.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIEBut why not give the vacant post to a native?
§ MR. BUCHANANIt was a case of promotion all along the line.