HC Deb 23 May 1927 vol 206 cc1626-7
2 Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) what percentage of leave reserve is recognised as desirable throughout the Postal Service in India; whether a larger percentage is allowed in areas of an unhealthy character; and whether he is satisfied that in the Jalpaiguri district the percentage of leave reserve is adequate to allow sick men to be relieved as soon as their condition demands it;

(2) whether it is still the practice in the Post Office Department to move on postal employés who so desire after two years' service in unhealthy districts; and whether, in view of the specially unhealthy character of the Jalpaiguri area, the Government will in future rigidly enforce this practice in that division;

(3) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that during the last six years more than 20 premature deaths have occurred among the postal servants in the Jalpaiguri division, and that there have been in addition a very large number of cases of malaria, kala-azar, and blackwater fever; what steps are taken to inspect such quarters as are provided for sub-postmasters and others by the Post Office Department, and such other dwellings as postal servants, in the absence of such accommodation, are obliged to occupy; and whether he is satisfied that no further steps can be taken to improve their sanitary conditions?

Earl WINTERTON

With the hon. Member's permission, I will answer these question together. My Noble Friend has no information.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

In view of the very serious state of affairs there, will the Noble Lord obtain the information and look into the matter?

Earl WINTERTON

No, Sir. It is not from any lack of courtesy to the hon. Member, but I must point out that this matter will be dealt with in the ordinary way by the Government of India without any supervision by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State. Questions on this matter have been asked and answered in the Assembly, and I do not think it would be in the public interest to deal with those matters in this House and in the Assembly in India as well.