§ 16. Sir T. BENNETTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a memorial submitted to the Secretary of State by certain Imperial Service officers of the Telegraph Branch of the Indian Post and Telegraph Department through the proper channel in March, 1922, praying for the extension of the proportionate pension scheme for retirement of those officers, was delayed for about 14 months before being forwarded by the Government of India; and will he expedite a reply to the memorialists, whose interests have been seriously prejudiced by the delay which has taken place?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy Noble Friend received the memorial in May last. He has requested the Government of India to inform the memorialists that the question raised by them will come within the purview of the Royal Commission on the Indian Services, and that it is open to them to bring it to the notice of the Commission in the form of evidence if they so desire. Meantime he has passed no orders on the memorial.