HC Deb 23 June 1930 vol 240 cc771-2
12. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for India what measures of Indianisation are being introduced in the commissioned and warrant ranks of the Royal Indian Marine now that it has been reorganised on a combatant basis?

Mr. BENN

Indians have not in the past been debarred from commissioned rank in the Royal Indian Marine, but until recently Indian candidates have not been forthcoming. Special steps have now been taken for the recruitment and training of young Indians, and it is hoped that henceforth it will be possible to appoint Indians in one-third of the vacancies for executive and engineer officers. It is intended also to replace the European boatswains as they retire by Indians selected from qualified and suitable deck ratings, as soon as ratings are available with the necessary qualifications. Similarly, arrangements are being made to train suitable Indians as wireless operators to replace the civilian operators who have hitherto been obtained on loan for limited periods from the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department. While this process of training is necessary, it will be supervised by ex-petty officer telegraphists whom it is hoped to obtain from the Royal Navy. In future, also, warrant writers and writers will be recruited solely from Indians, Anglo-Indians and members of the domiciled community in India.

Earl WINTERTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that this Act which was so hotly opposed by the party opposite, is working very satisfactorily and carrying out the promises which were given to India?

Mr. BENN

As to the Act itself, it is quite irrelevant. I have given a very full answer to the question on the Paper.

Earl WINTERTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the procedure——

Mr. SPEAKER

General Clifton Brown.