§ 42. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of captains and subalterns whom it is proposed to discharge from the Indian Army; what procedure is being adopted in the selection for discharge, and what compensation it is proposed to pay to officers of both ranks; and whether consideration will be given in special cases of hardship involved, particularly in the cases of young officers trained at Sandhurst, who have made the Army their career and have had no training for civil employment?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)The number of surplus officers will be about 2,400, but is not yet finally determined. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Regulations governing compensation. The selection is wholly in the hands of the military authorities in India, who will give as much consideration to personal circumstances as is consistent with the paramount interests of the Service and with justice to all parties.
§ Mr. HOWARD GRITTENIs it a fact that many of these officers who are excess served throughout the whole War?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat may be, but that does not affect the point that consideration is being given, so that the minimum of hardship will be caused, and the best officers can be retained.