1. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has arrived at a decision which he can communicate to the House regarding filling the vacancies in the Indian Civil Service which have accrued owing to the reduction in the number of places offered for competition during the War; and whether the contemplated Committee to report on the qualifications of candidates has been appointed?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)Rules have been made by the Secretary of State in Council with the advice and assistance of the Civil Service Commissioners under the Indian Civil Service (Temporary Provisions) Act of 1915, and have been laid before Parliament, for the appointment to the Indian Civil Service of British subjects who have during the War served with His Majesty's Naval, Military, or Air Forces. I shall be glad to send the hon. Member a copy of the Rules. The Rules provide that candidates who pass the qualifying examination as therein prescribed will appear before a Selection Board, who will make recommendations to the Secretary of State in Council. The Selection Board will be appointed by the Civil Service Commissioners. It has not yet been constituted.