HC Deb 10 August 1911 vol 29 cc1340-1
Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked whether the Government of India has received any report from the Government of the Punjab as to the grievances felt by the Civil Service officers in that commission with respect to the stoppage of promotion and the inferior rate of pay there prevailing, whereby the pay of officers of that service no longer bears the usual proportion to those of other services where the qualifications demanded are not so high?

Mr. MONTAGU

I do not know.

Sir H. CRAIK

Will the hon. Member inquire from the Government of India whether they have received such information?

Mr. MONTAGU

The hon. Member's question was whether the Government of India has received any report from the Government of the Punjab. Surely he does not think it worth while to telegraph for that information. If they contemplate any action they will, in due course, communicate with the Secretary of State for India.

Sir H. CRAIK

I wish to know whether the Government of the Punjab has communicated with the Government of India, and I ask the hon. Member if he will have the courtesy to inquire?

Sir E. CARSON

Does the Government of India take no interest in this matter?

Mr. MONTAGU

There are certain well-known methods to be pursued in connection with these things. After the complaint has been received by the Government of India, if they contemplate action they have to send the matter home, and until it is sent home any expenditure upon telegrams does not seem to me to be worth while. If the hon. Member desires a letter to be sent, that does not involve much expense.

Sir H. CRAIK

I wish to know, with regard to the stoppage of promotion, whether the responsibility rests with the Government of India or the Government of the Punjab. Will the Secretary of State inquire with whom the responsibility rests?

Mr. MONTAGU

I will make inquiry by letter if the hon. Member presses the matter.

Sir H. CRAIK

Would it not be advisable to send an inquiry by telegram in a matter of this kind?

Mr. MONTAGU

I do not think that expenditure would be justified.

Sir H. CRAIK

I do not agree.

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