§ 23. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether there has been any substantial increase in the number of commissions granted to Indian applicants; and what justification there is for the complaint that many applications have been refused?
§ Mr. AmeryYes, Sir. The output of trained Indian officers is expected to be very largely increased during the coming year. The authorities in India have to select the best men for the vacancies available, and presumably a certain number of less well qualified candidates have to be rejected.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in fact there have been certain complaints recently regarding the very small number of Indian applicants granted commissions? Is that likely to be remedied?
§ Mr. AmeryAll the other applicants are Indian applicants, and as rapidly as the Indian Army is expanded applicants are taken, by selection.
§ Mr. R. GibsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the proportion of rejects in India is greater than the proportion of rejects at home?