§ 10. Mr. GARDNERasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in 1923, following on the Inchcape Committee Report, the Assam Government announced its decision to reduce the strength of the Assam Civil Service from 84 to 65; whether this reduction was carried out; whether he is aware that the Governor in Council has now decided to increase the number to 79 officers'; and whether, in view of the terms of the Inchcape Committee Report, this increase has the approval of the Secretary of State?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe hon. Member is presumably referring to the Provincial Civil Service in Assam. The control of the cadre of this service is a matter for the Government of Assam, and increases or decreases in its strength do not require the approval of my Noble Friend, who has no information on the subject.