HC Deb 14 March 1927 vol 203 cc1616-7
4. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what arrangements are being made for the wives and dependants of the British soldiers sent to China from India?

Earl WINTERTON

The wives and families of officers and other ranks of British units which have been sent from India to China will be given the option of being brought home now at Government expense or of remaining in India, with the proviso in the case of officers' families that, if the officer returns to India, they will have no claim to be sent back to India at Government expense unless the officer has at least 12 months more to serve in India.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

What is the position with regard to the wives of the men? Will they have the same option as in the case of the officers?

Earl WINTERTON

As I have explained, they will be in a better position than the officers; they will be allowed to return to India. The proviso in the case of officers is that they will not be allowed a return passage at the Government expense unless the officer has at least 12 months more to serve in India.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

My question was really aimed at finding out what is being done for soldiers' wives and families who remain in India. Do they get any special allowance?

Earl WINTERTON

I am sorry if the hon. and gallant Gentleman did not get it clearly. May I read again what I said: The wives and families of officers and other tanks of British units which have been sent from India to China will be given the option of being brought home now at the Government expense or of remaining in India, with the proviso in the case of officers' families that, if the officer returns to India, they will have no claim to be sent back to India at Government expense unless the officer has at least 12 months more to serve in India,

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

If they remain in India, will they get a special allowance?

Earl WINTERTON

They will get exactly the same allowances as they get at the present time.

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