HC Deb 11 July 1944 vol 401 cc1566-7
30. Mr. Leslie

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that junior officers in India have not yet received increased family allowances nor received increases as a set off to the Indian Government income tax; and will he see that these matters are rectified without further delay.

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

I have been in consultation with the Government of India on the question of applying the recent increases in family allowances to British officers of both the British and Indian Services in India. Action has now been sanctioned and I have no doubt the Government of India will shortly issue the necessary orders. Orders regarding the special allowances which were recently approved were issued in India on 29th April and I have no doubt that the British Paymaster in India has already taken the necessary action.

Mr. Leslie

Is the Minister aware that officers who have recently arrived in India from this country have already had their allowances, while officers who have been in India for some time have not yet had theirs? I have received a cable within the last fortnight stating that that is the position.

Mr. Amery

It may depend on a particular station. These increases have not yet been universally effected.

Miss Ward

Will these apply to our military missions in other countries on Indian rates of pay?

Mr. Amery

If my hon. Friend will read the answer, she will find that the increases in family allowances apply to officers in both the British and Indian Services.