§ 9. Mr. LEWISasked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken to provide that where a British soldier is killed in the course of his duties during a civil disturbance compensation for the benefit of the dead man's dependants shall be exacted from the inhabitants of the district or municipality in which the crime is committed?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am not satisfied that a general provision on the lines suggested is the best way of dealing with such cases. As my hon. Friend has previously been informed, the regulations already provide for awards to the dependants of a British soldier killed in the course of his duty.
§ Mr. LEWISCan my right hon. Friend tell the House why these burdens should be borne by the British taxpayer, and why the precedent of the Irish troubles could not be followed in these cases.
§ Sir S. HOAREHitherto it has always been the practice that the Imperial Government has been responsible for its own servants.