§ 7. Sir C. YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will supplement the conviction expressed in the late Secretary of State's despatch to the Government of India regarding the pensions of officers of the Civil Services in India by making arrangements with insurance companies in the United Kingdom by which both civil and military officers serving under the Government of India will be enabled to insure at a reasonable rate the payment of the pension accruing to them despite any change that may be brought about in the Government of India in the future?
§ Earl WINTERTONPerhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will confer with me and explain the nature of the arrangements he has in mind as being possible for the Secretary of State to make.
§ Sir C. YATEIs the Noble Lord not aware that in this despatch the late Secretary of State said that he had a conviction that no future Secretary of State would be found wanting in his duty in insuring this obligation. Cannot the Noble Lord give any more definite assurance to the civil servants of India?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat is not the question asked. My hon. and gallant Friend wanted to know whether it was possible to make any pension insurance arrangements. If he will confer with me and tell me what his proposals are I will consider them carefully.
§ Sir C. YATEIn my question I suggest that the officers should be able to insure the payment of these pensions. Can the Noble Lord make arrangements accordingly?
§ Earl WINTERTONIt is not part of the business of any Government to insure pensions to civil servants. But if my hon. and gallant Friend will com- 211 municate with me and say what he proposes, I will see whether it is possible to help in the matter.