HC Deb 15 November 1916 vol 87 cc753-4
2. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering the high rent charged to officers in India when occupying Government quarters, amounting to Rs. 90 per month in the case of a lieutenant-colonel, he will ask the Government of India to consider the question of amending paragraph 444 G of Volume II. of the Indian Army Regulations with a view to reducing the charges for unoccupied quarters?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not aware that the rule in question is inequitable. But if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of any case he may have in mind, I will consider them.

3. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the privilege of travelling first-class at half fares granted by the War Office to officers travelling, in uniform, in the United Kingdom has been extended to India; and, if not, will he suggest to the Government of India the desirability of extending the same facilities to officers travelling in India as are granted at Home?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The conditions existing in this country at present and in India are so different that I see no sufficient ground for the extension to India of the Home system of officers' travelling privileges. The hon. and gallant Member is of course aware that military officers below the rank of major in India have the privilege, on almost all the railways, of travelling first class at all times at second-class fare.

Colonel YATE

Is there any reason why majors or even lieutenant-colonels should not have this same privilege?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That may arise out of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but is a great extension of it. That privilege is a privilege accorded to officers in India of the junior rank in time of peace, and the British privileges, of which the hon. and gallant Member speaks in the question are accorded only in time of war. The arrangement was made before I was Secretary of State. I understand the railway companies were-unwilling to extend it further than to the junior ranks.

Colonel YATE

But, may I ask, will the right hon. Gentleman extend this privilege so long as the War lasts?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; I am not prepared to go further than at present.

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