§ 4. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India when it is proposed to commence the training in India of suitable Indian gentlemen for commissions in His Majesty's Indian Army and Air Force?
§ Mr. BENNA comprehensive answer to this question would be long, and I think the most helpful thing I can do is to refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Sir W. Birdwood's sympathetic examination of the problem in a speech in the Assembly on 8th March, 1928.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs my right hon. Friend aware that this matter is causing uneasiness among many of our best friends in India among the Indians, and can he assure me that he will really have this matter sympathetically considered?
§ Mr. BENNI am well aware of the importance of this matter, and it is being sympathetically considered.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXWill the right hon. Gentleman be very careful not to allow himself to be influenced by the fugitive impressions of "Paget M.P.'s?"
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs my right hon. Friend aware that he was good enough to answer a question before I went to India?
§ 6. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is considering the extension of the present scheme of Indianising eight units of His Majesty's Army in India?
§ Mr. BENNI am ready to consider an extension as soon as the Government of India feel justified in recommending one on the results actually achieved.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill my right hon. Friend, looking at this matter in the light of the Viceroy's Declaration, about which we have heard so much, see that there is a speeding up of the Government's policy?
§ Mr. BENNI can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that this matter will always receive sympathetic attention.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that immediate action is necessary?
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNIn view of the fact that the Indianisation of the Army has not been a success, owing to the difficulties in the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving our own young non-commissioned officers a chance of training for the Indian Army?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is too big a subject to be answered in reply to a supplementary question.