§ 14. Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what compensation will be given to officers of the Indian Army who were second in command of their regiments at the time the new rule limiting the age for command came into force, and upon whom, it is admitted, hardship has been inflicted by being debarred from that command on account of age by a rule which has been suddenly put in force after they have fully qualified themselves for such command?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would supplement the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member on Thursday by saying that seconds in command and officers of any regimental grade who may be required or permitted to vacate their appointments under the new rules will receive compensation in the form of permission to serve on for full pension under the same terms as officers vacating under the old rules.
§ Colonel YATEIf that compensation is not considered sufficient by the officers concerned will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the question of exempting officers holding appointments second in command from the operation of this rule, the same as commandants have been exempted?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. Gentleman will know that this arrangement has not been come to without carefully considering the possible hardships, but if he will be good enough to forward any further representations on the matter I will see that they are carefully considered by the Secretary of State.