HC Deb 26 April 1937 vol 323 cc5-6
3. Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that many British officers of the Indian Army are receiving notice that they are likely to be surplus to the establishment in a few years, their places are being filled by Indians; and how large a reduction of British officers in the Indian Army is proposed?

Mr. Butler

I think my hon. and gallant Friend must be referring to the measures which were introduced in 1934 to relieve the congestion in the middle ranks of the Indian Army and which are still in operation. Full details were published on 17th October, 1934. The object is not to reduce the total officer establishment, but to readjust the proportions in the middle ranks. No scheme for reduction of the establishment is in contemplation. The measures I have mentioned are wholly independent of the process of Indianisation; and none of the officers concerned are being replaced by Indian Officers.

Brigadier-General Brown

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask whether, in view of the fact that many of these officers are leaving with excellent characters, and also that in our Defence plan it is necessary to have men experienced in organisation, would he not consider finding employment for them when our new plans are being started?

Mr. Butler

That raises a separate question.