HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 cc1155-6
1. Mr. PETO

asked the Secretary of State for India when a decision may be expected to be arrived at with regard to applying Part I. of the Royal Warrant of 1st August, 1917, to officers of the Indian Army; and whether, in view of disadvantages to them of the application to their cases of the Royal Warrant of 26th November, 1915, the decision when arrived at will be retrospective?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)

Part. I. of the Royal Warrant of 1st August, 1917, if and when applied to officers of the Indian Army, will extend to all cases which have arisen out of the present War and will have effect from 1st April, 1917, as is laid down, in regard to officers of the British Service, by the introductory article of the Royal Warrant. The Secretary of State for India is doing all he can to arrive at a speedy settlement of the question. It is not altogether simple, owing to the difference of conditions under which the Indian Army serve, and to the liability of Imperial revenues to bear the excess charges of Indian Expeditionary Forces. The Secretary of State's general view is that officers holding temporary or permanent commissions in the Indian Army should enjoy not less favourable treatment, if disabled in consequence of the present War, in respect of pensionary benefits than officers of the British Army.

Mr. PETO

May I specially call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that a number of men who were civilians before the War were attached to the Indian Army simply on account of their knowledge of the Indian language, and that therefore in the case of those civilians there is a real hardship in this long delay that is taking place in giving them the advantages of the Royal Warrant of August last?

Mr. FISHER

I will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says.

Colonel YATE

Are we to take it that it is the Treasury that is causing delay and not the India Office?

Mr. FISHER

The question has to come before the Ministry of Pensions, which has to consider the recommendations.

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