§ 3. Colonel DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the credentials of any Indians have been examined for the appointment to the Railway Board of India; whether any applications have been made for this appointment; and the number of such applications
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)In the case of vacancies on the Railway Board, as in the case of other appointments, it may be taken for granted that the qualifications of all eligible persons are considered by the Government of India. I have no information regarding the second and third parts of the question.
§ Colonel DAYAre we to understand from that that there is not an Indian of requisite standing or experience available?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo. The hon. Gentleman is to understand that the 1826 Railway Board, who are responsible to the Indian Government, give due consideration to the question and appoint for promotion those persons who are most suitable, whether Indian or European.
§ Colonel DAYDid not the Noble Lord state in the House that as soon as an Indian of requisite standing and experience was available he would be appointed?
§ Earl WINTERTONExactly. That is what I mean when I say it is a matter for the Railway Board. The Railway Board and the Department responsible probably have to answer more questions in the Assembly than any other Department of the Government of India, and I would suggest that the matter might well be left to the Assembly and the Government of India.