§ 11. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether there has been any improvement in the housing conditions of the Indian police during the last five years; and what money is proposed to be spent this year on the improvement of their accommodation?
§ Mr. BENNIt would be necessary to make a separate inquiry of each of the Provincial Governments to ascertain what is the total proposed to be spent on quarters for the police this year. Police administration reports show that improvement of accommodation is a constant pre-occupation of the Inspectors-General, and that, within the limits imposed by financial stringency, improvements are being effected.
Mr. WARDLAW-MILNIs it not a fact that these improvements are one of the most necessary things in India at the present time?
§ Mr. BENNNaturally, subject to the considerations I have mentioned, we do desire to see improvements.
Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to the point, mentioned by me in the recent Debate, as to whether any statement can be published by the Government of India or the Department showing the actual position of the police in relation to housing and kindred matters?
§ Mr. BENNYes, I am hoping to receive the heads under which I may furnish that information to friends of the Noble Lord.
§ 12. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether there has been in the last five years any reduction in or addition to the pay of police constables in India?
§ Mr. BENNI am not in possession of the information necessary to answer this question. The pay of police constables is fixed by the local Governments under whose control they serve and varies in the different Provinces.
Mr. MARJORIBANKAs the police are of such great importance at the present time, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to get this information and to find out what the reductions have been?
§ Mr. BENNMy officials have examined the reports of the local Governments and their budgets in order to try to give an answer to this question. The inquiry is a very extensive one, going over five yeans, and I hesitate to set special inquiries on foot in reference to it at this moment.
Mr. MARJORIBANKBut could not the right hon. Gentleman compare two dates without going over the whole period?
§ Mr. BENNI am prepared to put at the service of the hon. Member the reports on which the researches have been conducted.