§ 8 and 9. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for India (1) the procedure for hearing and deciding charges brought against Government servants under the recent Order; whether such servants are to be given adequate facilities for defence without prejudice to their retention of employment; and whether he will state the penalties to be applied against persons who may be convicted of taking an active interest in and aiding a political party or having permitted or failed to report upon the political activities of any member or servant of their household;
(2) whether he will publish, as a White Paper, the notice issued by the Government of India amending the Government Servants Conduct Rules so as to deprive all Government servants of all political rights and of participation in the public affairs of India?
§ 10. Mr. ANEURIN BEVANasked the Secretary of State for India whether servants of the Government of India are by regulation being held responsible for the political behaviour of their relatives; and whether, by the recent regulation, it is regarded as misconduct on the part of a Government servant if he fails to report the political activities of his relatives?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am placing a copy of the Rules and the Amendment in the Library of the House. The Rule in question, before its Amendment, prohibited Government servants from taking part in any political movement in India or relating to Indian affairs. The effect of the Amendment is twofold. In the first place, it defines the meaning of the expression "political movement." Secondly, it makes Government servants responsible for preventing or bringing to notice cases in which persons dependent on them, not necessarily their relatives, may be participating in subversive movements such as, for example, terrorist activities. As regards penalties, the question of their imposition and nature would necessarily depend on the circumstances of each particular case. Disciplinary measures under the Rule as amended will be subject to the usual provision that no member of a Service may be dismissed or reduced without being afforded an adequate opportunity of defending himself.
§ Mr. GRENFELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the White Paper will be available?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am placing a copy of the rules in the Library of the House. I think they are already there.