§ 10. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, owing to the present position in India, there is a grave anxiety amongst members of the Civil Service as to the ultimate security of their pensions; and whether he can make any declaration that, in spite of any decision of the Legislative Council in India, these pensions will be guaranteed by the British Government?
§ Mr. M0NTAGUI appreciate the anxiety that is felt, and I have addressed the Government of India by despatch on this matter, which I trust will allay it. I intend to present it to Parliament, but I would prefer following accepted practice, not to take this step until the Government of India have received the despatch, which should reach them at the end of this month.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I take it that at the end of the month the right hon. Gentleman will publish the despatch?
§ Mr. MONTAGUAs soon as the Government of India have received it, I propose to publish it.
§ 11. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there is grave anxiety in the Indian services, owing to the fact that the provision for retiring on proportionate pensions expires in 1924; whether that was in accordance with the original terms made by him; and why English officials who, in consequence of extremist methods, after that date may find it impossible to carry out their work are not to be allowed to retire in the same manner as those who choose to go at the present time?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am aware that complaints are being made of the imposition of a time limit, which was decided upon by the Secretary of State in Council, after full consideration of the reasons for and against such a provision. I am now, however, consulting the Government of India as to the desirability of withdrawing this restriction.