§ 3. Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India for what reasons the subscribers to Indian family pension funds have been asked to decide whether they would prefer their various funds to be withdrawn from the Indian Government Account with a view to investment in sterling securities?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe Family Pension Funds have been built up from the contributions of officers serving in India and it has been recognised that they are the property of the subscribers. As a desire has, in the past, been frequently expressed for their investment in sterling, the present occasion was thought a fitting one for ascertaining whether such a measure would meet with the general approval of the subscribers.
§ Sir A. KNOXWould the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper and tell me why this present occasion is thought more suitable? Is it not because of the general anxiety as to the future government of India?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe reason is this: For several years past requests have been made that we should consider the position, and it seemed to us to be not an inappropriate time to consider it when we are considering the changes generally in the whole Constitution of India.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEDoes it not show that the Government distrust their own sugestion?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir; not at all.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSWhat is the Government's official position on this matter?