HC Deb 14 November 1927 vol 210 cc603-4
9. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under - Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the discontent among officials stationed at Rangoon, under the control of the Government of India, owing to the withdrawal of the Burma allowance which is still payable to officials under the jurisdiction of the Government of Burma, and the grant of an allowance which is much smaller than that granted by the Government of Burma; and what are the reasons for this differentiation in the rate of pay to these respective officers?

Earl WINTERTON

I am aware that such representations have been made. But the power to fix compensatory allowances has been delegated to the Government of India in the case of officers under their control, and to local governments in other cases. My Noble Friend is not prepared to interfere with their discretion in the matter.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can my Noble Friend say what are the reasons for the differentiation, the two officers doing exactly the same kind of work?

Earl WINTERTON

I cannot altogether accept my hon. and gallant Friend's statement that there is, in fact, a differentiation in pay, but the matter is one for the Government of India to deal with, and my Noble Friend cannot intervene in particular cases.