§ 61. Brigadier - General CHARTERISasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can now make any statement as to the decisions reached in the discussions between his Department and the Government of India on the subject 487 of the promised passage concessions and educational facilities to the European foremen in the ordnance factories and arsenals of India; and whether he will take into consideration the anxiety of the members for a settlement, in view of the fact that they originally presented their requests through the proper channels two years ago?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)The matter is still under consideration, but I am taking steps to expedite a decision, which I hope will be reached in the near future. I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as it is arrived at.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISIs the Noble Lord aware that great hardship is being caused by this delay, that these European foremen are unable to obtain passages in India at short notice, and that unless it is definitely settled at an early date, the hardship will go on and will increase?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am not prepared to admit that the delay could be avoided, but I recognise the facts brought to my notice by my hon. and gallant Friend, and my Noble Friend the Secretary of State is taking steps to expedite a decision.