§ 1. Colonel Sir C. YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the question of the cost of housing entailed upon officers of the Army in India is under consideration; and whether steps are being taken to provide officers with free quarters or what is proposed to be done in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)My hon. and gallant Friend was informed of the Government of India's policy on this subject on 7th March of last year. The provision of free quarters has not been under consideration. In accordance with the recommendations of the Esher Committee, rent for Government quarters is assessed at not more than 10 per cent. of pay in the case of married officers and not 1002 more than 5 per cent. in the case of single officers.
§ Sir C. YATEWhat did the Esher Committee recommend?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe recommendation of the Esher Committee has been carried out.
§ Earl WINTERTONYes, that has been taken into account in coming to the decision which has been come to.
§ Sir C. YATEWill not the Government consider the question now, as it is a very important matter?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am afraid that it Ns ill not be possible in the present state of financial stringency to give improved terms. The terms which have been carried on are those which have been recommended by the Esher Committee.