§ 21. Major Milnerasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there are numbers of retired warrant and non-commissioned officers in this country, some with Indian experience, who would be glad to be of service as instructors in India; and whether any steps have been or are being taken to-make use of them in that capacity?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)My Department considers, in consultation with the Government of India, applications from any retired non-commissioned officer or warrant officer who volunteers for service in India. But, in general, India's demands for British Army personnel are made direct upon the War Office and it is for that Department to allocate, in accordance with the demands received from various quarters, those retired men who, though not liable for service under the National Service Act, may still be considered fit for further military employment in India or elsewhere.
§ Major MilnerHaving regard to the serious state of affairs in this connection and the great neglect of which, if the right hon. Gentleman will forgive my saying so, he and his Department have been guilty, is he not splitting hairs in dividing responsibility between his Department and the War Office? If these men are required, are they not either appealed for or compelled to report, which many of them would be very happy to do?
§ Mr. AmeryI must entirely repudiate the charge of neglect. If the hon. and gallant Member will give me any instances of individuals who have applied and whose applications have not been considered, I shall be very glad.
§ Major MilnerWhen there is a war on, surely it is not necessary to wait for men to apply. If their services are required, should not the right hon. Gentleman either appeal for them or call them up?
§ Mr. AmeryIf the Government of India require men, they apply to the War Office, and the War Office does its best.
§ Major MilnerIs it not obvious that it has not done so in this instance?