§ 5. Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that 50 Europeans are to be dismissed from the services of the Imperial Bank of India; and whether, in the interests of employment in Great Britain, he will inquire into the extent of Indianisation among prominent British firms in India with a view to checking its too rapid progress?
§ Mr. BUTLERMy right hon. Friend has seen a Press report to the effect stated in the first part of the question, though he has no information as to its accuracy. The practice of commercial concerns in regard to the employment of particular classes of British subjects is not a matter within the control of Government.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it not a fact that this sort of action is directly resulting from the apprehensions of British firms as to what the legislation will be if the White Paper is implemented; and would it not be possible for the Secretary of State to use his influence to prevent this increase in unemployment among British subjects in India?
§ Mr. MOLSONIs it not the fact that it has been the accepted policy of the Imperial Bank of India for the last five or six years to Indianise as much as possible?
§ Mr. BUTLERI must repeat, in answer to the supplementary questions, that it is impossible for His Majesty's Government to influence the personnel of a commercial company.