§ 18. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the Secretary of State is aware that the work of police officers in India has increased during the last ten years owing to the spread of sedition, which has added to their responsibilities; if so, what action he proposes to take; whether the Secretary of State is aware that, if no present action is taken in regard to their grievances and the recommendations of the Public Services Commission are to be awaited and considered by the Government of India and by himself, at least five years and probably more will elapse before anything can be done to remove such grievances; and will he call for an immediate report in view of the urgency of the matter?
Mr. ROBERTSThere has no doubt been some increase in recent years in the special responsibilities of the Indian police, as in those of the Indian Civil Service. The Secretary of State is not prepared to act in advance of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Indian Public 239 Services, and anticipates that these will be considered and dealt with well before the date mentioned by the hon. Member.