§ 77. Sir J. JARDINEasked the Secretary of State for India what examinations for admission to the Indian Civil Service are to be held in the next two years, and on what dates; whether the Regulations about such examinations have been printed and published; and if he can state the rules regarding the age of candidates?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMy right hon. Friend (Mr. Chamberlain), who is unable to be present, has asked me to reply to these questions. It is intended to hold the usual examination during the next two years, and at the usual time. The alterations which it is proposed to make in the existing Regulations relate to the age limit and will enable candidates who have rendered military service to compete at a slightly higher age. Notice of these alterations was published in the "London Gazette" of the 12th instant. I will send the hon. Member a copy.
§ 78. Sir J. JARDINEasked the Secretary of State for India, with reference to the Bill to enable persons to be appointed or admitted to the Indian Civil Service without examination, if he will state in what way and by what standard the Civil Service Commissioners will satisfy themselves that a person to be appointed without examination possesses the necessary educational qualifications; and whether the rules prescribing the means to be used by the Commissioners for satisfying themselves have yet been made and published or laid before Parliament?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThere are obvious inconveniences in dealing by means of question and answer in this House with a Bill which is now under discussion in another place, and I hope the hon. Member will allow me to defer an answer to the first part of his question until the Bill comes before this House. If, in the meantime, he 2008 or any other Member would wish to make any suggestions to me on the subject, I shall be very happy to see them.
§ Sir J. JARDINEWill the right hon. Gentleman say when the Bill is likely to come here?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am afraid I cannot answer that.