§ 1. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India why the Berkshire Regiment, quartered at Rasmak, in Waziristan, are deprived of special allowances granted to the regiments which preceded them there; whether the Commander-in-Chief in India has promised to reconsider this withdrawal of such allowances; and what action is to be taken to ensure the fair and equal treatment of all regiments in this territory?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)The grant of field service concessions generally to troops serving in Waziristan was withdrawn when Waziristan ceased to be regarded as a field service area. My Noble Friend is now considering, in communication with the Government of India, the question of restoring some part 914 of them, and an announcement will be made very shortly.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLECan the Noble Lord say whether the concession will be made retrospective?
§ Earl WINTERTONI will answer that question when the announcement is made. I have not said that there would be any concession. I said that there would be an announcement very shortly.