HC Deb 26 February 1919 vol 112 cc1709-10
1. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether officers of the Indian Army Reserve of Officers belonging to Government Departments in India will, on return from military service to their civil duties, be granted indulgence passages to England such as are available for junior officers of the Indian Army in peace time?

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

The transport service is not at present under the control of the Secretary of State for India. He sympathises with the object in view, but is advised that the pressure on accommodation is likely to be so heavy that, after satisfying prior claims, room would not be available, or at most only to a very limited extent, for the officers referred to. The announcement of their eligibility for indulgence passage would, therefore; in all probability, only lead to disappointment.

Colonel YATE

Considering that many of these young officers have been wounded and cannot get home, will the right hon. Gentleman kindly do something to help them in this matter?

Mr. FISHER

I will see that my hon. and gallant Friend's point is put.

Sir HENRY CRAIK

May I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that very heavy hardship is being inflicted both upon Army officers and Indian civilians by the enhanced fares from India, and that this is all the harder, in view of the large dividends paid by the principal shipping company in India?

3. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that the pensions awarded to officers in India of the Indian Army Reserve of Officers who have been invalided out of the Service have remained unpaid for more than a year after they are due, orders can be issued to the Controller of Military Accounts in India to accelerate payment and to reform his Department in this respect?

Mr. FISHER

The Secretary of State for India has ascertained from the Government of India that they have been able to trace one case only in which the issue of pension has been delayed for a year. The delay in this case is due to very exceptional circumstances. The Secretary of State will be glad if the hon. and gallant Member will bring to his notice any cases in which undue delay is alleged.

Colonel YATE

I will send them to the Secretary of State.