§ 5. Mr. RAWLINSONasked the Secretary of State for India whether the pensions of uncovenanted civil servants, e.g., Indian forest officials, heads of colleges, etc., who have an agreement with the Secretary of State are permanently guaranteed by the British Government, or whether the responsibility of the British Government is intended to be put an end to by the granting of a measure of Home Rule?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe pensions of members of all Civil Services in India have been for many years a statutory charge on the revenues of India, and no change in this respect was made by the Act of 1919. For an explanation of what may be the position under future legislation, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Baronet the Member for Twickenham on the 14th February, of which I will send him a copy, and to the despatch which I intend shortly to present to Parliament.
§ Mr. RAWLINSONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a permanent charge, in order that those on whose behalf I am asking this question need not insure their pensions?
§ Mr. MONTAGUYes, it is a permanent charge.