§ 4. Mr. J. HOPE SIMPSONasked the Under Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a judicial officer of the Bombay Presidency has been appointed to the post of Judicial Commissioner of the Central Provinces; whether representations have been received from senior judicial officers of the Central Provinces on the subject of their supersession; and what are the 5 reasons which have led to the appointment of an officer from outside the provinces instead of the promotion of the local senior judicial officer?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am aware that the post of Judicial Commissioner is now held in the Central Provinces by an Indian Civil Service officer lent by the Government of Bombay, but I cannot say whether any representations have been made by any officers whose qualifications for the post may have had to be considered. It must be presumed that the Indian authorities were satisfied that the appointment made was most in accord with the interests of the province.
§ Mr. SIMPSONCan the Noble Lord give us a reason why the senior officers in the Central Provinces were passed over?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat is a question of administration, and it is rather inconvenient to raise it in answer to a question. The point is that the Government are quite entitled to go outside the province, if they so desire, in connection with this appointment.
§ Sir JOHN HEWETTIs it not very unusual to do so?
§ Earl WINTERTONThere have been other instances. At any rate, as the law and the rule stand, it is open to the Government to do so.