§ 12. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether he received a series of petitions, sent through the Madras Government in May, 1919, from a large percentage of the Indian Civil Service in that province; and when he proposes to make an answer to such petitions?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, although a day or two ago my hon. Friend was good enough to forward me 2046 copies. The second part therefore does not arise.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill my right hon. Friend inquire of the Government of Madras as to what has become of this very large block of petitions? I personally know that they were addressed to him.
§ Mr. MONTAGUI will will inquire if my hon. Friend wishes. Of course, a memorial from the Civil Service must be transmitted through the local Government, which has a discretion as to what it will forward.
§ 13. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can see his way to giving an option to the members of the Indian Civil Service to retire during the next five years if they feel unable to serve under the new altered conditions on the basis of a pension proportionate to service and loss of prospects?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would ask leave to refer my hon. Friend to my explanation in this House on 4th December last on Clause 36 of the Government of India Bill, of which I will send him a copy.