64. Viscountess ASTORasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the recent reduction in the pay of British Army officers consists of a 5¼ per cent cut on the 20 per cent. increase granted to meet the higher cost of living, he will reconsider the decision of the India Office to apply the 5¼ per cent reduction to the whole pay of Indian Army officers?
§ Mr. RICHARDSThe revision of Indian Army rates of pay is still under consideration.
Viscountess ASTORWill the hon. Gentleman consider well that Indian officers are among the very poorest of our officers, and that it would be very unfair to charge them on the whole of the pay when this charge is not made to the officers at home?
§ Mr. RICHARDSThis point has already been brought to the notice of the India Office.
§ Mr. RAWLINSONIt is a long time ago since we were informed that this question is still under consideration, and can the hon. Gentleman give us the slightest idea as to when any results of his consideration is going to take place, as this is a very serious matter for the Indian officers?
§ Mr. RICHARDSIn any case the revised rates date from 1st July.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAIs it a fact that no reduction has taken place in Indian Army officers' pay?
§ Mr. RICHARDSNothing has been done as yet.