§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary for India whether it was in contemplation to amend the rules relating to the pensions of High Court Judges in India so that the period of their service on the Executive Councils may count for the purpose of pensions?
§ Mr. MONTAGUNew rules are proposed which provide for the grant of pensions to Members of Executive Councils who, before their appointment as such, were serving in pensionable posts. These rules will cover, but will not of course be restricted to, Members of Council who had previously been High Court Judges.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary for India, whether he was aware of the objection taken to the principle of the appointment of High Court judges as Members of the Executive Councils, on the ground that such a procedure was likely to be fatal to the independence of the bench; and whether this objection would be taken into consideration?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State is aware of the objection in question, and has addressed the Government of India on the subject with the object of securing that due weight will be given to it when recommendations are made for the appointment of Members of Council. My hon. Friend is no doubt acquainted with the circumstances 2045 which at present render it desirable to widen the field of selection for these important posts.