§ 4. Sir C. YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State will consider the question of making the taking of an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King-Emperor a condition of service in all the various Civil Services of India, including the members and servants of municipal authorities?
§ Earl WINTERTONThis question has been considered, as far as actual servants of the Crown in India are concerned, but the Promissory Oaths Act, 1868, prevents the administration of any such oath to officials recruited in England for service in India, while the Indian Oaths Act, 1873, imposes a similar difficulty.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the Noble Lord consider bringing in legislation to repeal those difficulties?
§ Earl WINTERTONI do not think it would be useful to repeal one Act without repealing both, and a very big question of policy is involved in imposing on the officials of all municipalities in this country a similar oath.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the Noble Lord consider an omnibus Act of Parliament that will impose it? Is he aware that it has been done recently in Northern Ireland?
§ Earl WINTERTONI think, perhaps, if my hon. Friend would put a question to the Leader of the House on that subject, it would be better.