§ Mr. STANIERasked (1) whether the Government are yet able to give the reply to the petition of the Indian police for their pensions to begin at twenty-five years' service; and, if so, whether they will grant the request? and (2) whether the Government are yet able to give the reply to the petitions of the Indian police as to relief from the block in promotion, and asking for the limit of age to be made fifty-five?
§ Mr. G. HOWARDPerhaps the hon. Member will allow me to answer the questions together. The Government of India, as I have already stated, are engaged in an inquiry into the question of allowing police officers to retire on full pension after twenty-five years' service. That inquiry is being accelerated. Every officer is under existing rules allowed to retire at fifty-five and may be required to do so.