§ 1. Mr. PILCHERasked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he can give the House some information regarding the functions and personnel of the Public Service Commission which it is now the intention of the Indian Government to appoint in October next?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)The Public Service Commission is, under the Government of India Act, appointed by the Secretary of State. Correspondence is still proceeding with the Government of India and it is not yet possible, therefore, to make any detailed statement in regard either to its functions and personnel or to the date of its appointment. A statement will be made as soon as possible. But my Noble Friend authorises me to say that matters have so progressed as to allow him definitely to hope that the Commission, when set up, will be in a position to render material assistance in recruiting, controlling and safeguarding the interests of the Indian Services. It has been decided that the Commission will not exercise any veto on appeals to the Secretary of State.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISMay I ask whether there is any intention of altering the number of Commissioners who may be appointed, or whether the original number of five will be appointed as recommended in the Lee Report?
§ Earl WINTERTONI think my hon. Friend will realise from my answer that I am not yet in a position to give details.
§ Mr. PILCHERMay I ask whether the representatives of the Services are being consulted with regard to the ultimate constitution of the Commission?
§ Earl WINTERTONThere was at the time the Lee Commission held its sittings the fullest consideration given to the views put forward by the Services.