§ 17 and 18. Mr. O'GRADYasked (17) the Under- Secretary of State for India whether a final settlement has yet been arrived at in the case of the provincial engineers; will he state what are those parts of the Government of India's proposals which have been reserved by the Secretary of State for further consideration; and when a decision upon them will be taken; and (18), in connection with the case of the provincial engineers, whether it is proposed to restore, either completely or partially, to the Imperial Service those provincial engineers who have received their training at Indian engineering colleges?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)As the hon. Member was informed on the 15th May last, orders have been passed sanctioning certain increases of pay to the provincial engineers. The subject reserved for future consideration is practically the one mentioned in the hon. Member's second question, namely, whether any change shall be made in the system 501 of recruitment for the Imperial Service, and, if so, under what limitations and conditions, so as to allow the appointment or promotion to that service of engineers trained in India. This subject is covered by the terms of reference to the recently appointed Royal Commission on the Public Services in India.
§ 19. Mr. O'GRADYasked whether the Secretary of State for India will arrange that the Members to be co-opted on to the Public Service Commission to represent the provincial engineer service shall be taken from those who may be duly elected for the purpose by the provincial engineers themselves?
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERThe procedure to be followed in the matter mentioned has not yet been settled. In any case the selection of co-opted representatives will be for settlement by the Royal Commission itself.