§ 5. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Anglo-Indians in the employ of the Indian State railways are being replaced by Indians; and, in view of the fact that Anglo-Indians are statutory natives of India, will he ascertain from the Government of India on what grounds these Anglo-Indians have been replaced by Indians?
§ Mr. BENNIncreased competition from Indians, as educational facilities increase, must tend to diminish the field of employment of Anglo-Indians on the railways, but their deliberate replacement by Indians in any branch of the public service would be contrary to the declared policy of Government and, so far as I am aware, has not taken place.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether the facts as stated in this question are correct, and, if so, will he kindly remind the Government of India of the effect of this answer to my question?
§ Mr. BENNYes. The hon. Member's question is in general terms. It was examined by my Department, with the result that the answer which I have given him was drafted.
§ 6. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken by the Government of India to relieve the distress which exists among large numbers of Anglo-Indians in India by reason of the boycott and owing to dismissals from the railways and other Indian services?
§ Mr. BENNAs I have already stated, there has not to my knowledge been any dismissal of Anglo-Indians from the Indian Services in order to make room for Indians. Whilst I sympathise with the purpose of the hon. Gentleman I see difficulty in putting it into practical operation in respect of a particular community.