§ 8. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the position of non-commissioned officers in the Indian Army Ordnance Corps as regards home leave is steadily getting worse; and will he take steps to asssure them of home leave every six years, as is done in the corresponding ranks of the home service, and consider the possibility, in the case of the families of these noncommissioned officers, of making an arrangement whereby their families might get passage home after six years?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe non-commissioned officers in question are eligible after six years' service abroad far leave for one year, extensible up to two years. My Noble Friend will inquire of the Government of India whether the exigencies of the service prevent their getting the leave for which they are eligible, a point on which he has no information. Their families are eligible for passage home when the non-commissioned officer himself proceeds on leave. My Noble Friend will consult the Government of India on the suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member, which is, he understands, that in certain cases the families should be allowed passage home independently of the non-commissioned officer.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs my Noble Friend aware that the position of non-commissioned officers in this Service is steadily growing worse as regards home leave, and that it is very unfair that they should be kept for more than six years before they can get leave?
§ Earl WINTERTONI think I have answered that question in my reply. I do not quite understand the purpose of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question. I said I will inquire 822 into whether the exigencies of the Service prevent their getting leave for which they are eligible.