§ 10. Mr. PRETYMANasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the discontent and hardships that have been caused throughout the Indian Army owing to the deductions now being made from officers' pay by the pay authorities in India requiring refund of allowances said to have been overpaid to officers while on service, and the inability, especially of married officers, to meet these unexpected calls; and will he have an inquiry made into the case of all officers from whom these deductions have been levied, with a view to the cancelling of the deductions and the wiping off of the alleged debt?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have no reason to think that recoveries are being made on so large a scale, but I shall be happy to investigate any material which the right hon. Gentleman may care to send me.
§ Mr. PRETYMANDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is very difficult for individual officers to put forward their own case? I am sure he would not wish to show any favouritism in any particular case which may be put forward here. Is he aware that in some cases hundreds of pounds are being claimed for poor married officers? Will he look at the matter generally, rather than into individual cases?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am aware that in certain cases there is hardship to officers, and the India Office always does its best 343 to help them. I will gladly investigate the question again and shall be pleased if hon. Members possessing information will assist me by forwarding facts.