§ Mr. CROFTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has yet ascertained whether Lieutenant-Colonel Bannerman has been promoted to the rank of surgeon-general in Madras; and, if so, what reasons he can give for the promotion of this officer over the heads of others of wider experience and greater service?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have nothing to add to my previous reply on this subject on the 10th of July.
§ Mr. CROFTMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a report has appeared stating that Lieutenant-Colonel Bannerman has received the appointment?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have not seen the report to which the hon. Member refers, but I may state that the appointment is one in the discretion of the Government of India. They have not yet reported as to the appointment.
§ Mr. CROFTWill the hon. Gentleman make instant inquiry on this question, with the view to informing the House?
§ Mr. MONTAGUWhen the appointment has been made the Government of India will report the fact to the Secretary of State that this has been done, and there will then be an opportunity for those who consider themselves aggrieved to memorialise the Secretary of State against the appointment.