§ 7. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked how many applications have been made by non-commissioned officers of the unattached list in the Secunderabad Division to go on furlough for the years 1910, 1911, and 1912; and how many passages were available in each such year?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State has not the information, but will ask the Government of India for it if the hon. Member so desires.
§ 8. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the custom of only allotting a limited number of passages to the unattached non-commissioned officers in India who desire furlough is in fact depriving them of their rights under the Army Regulations to come home on furlough after six years' service in India; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe answer is in the negative. The Indian Army Regulations do not confer on unattached non-commissioned officers a right to a free passage to England with furlough after six years' service. The Regulations make this term of service a condition of eligibility, while restricting to 100 a year the number of free passages with furlough that may be granted to officers of this class. Applicants have to take their turn in order of length of service abroad, unless they like to pay the cost of a passage. The Secretary of State does not consider that the Regulation calls for amendment.