HC Deb 17 December 1945 vol 417 cc913-4
80. Mr. Driberg

asked the Under-Secretary for India how soon men in release Group 22, serving in the Indian Army, are to be repatriated.

Mr. A. Henderson

The Government of India have not yet reported what dates have been fixed for the release of Indian Army officers in Group 22, but inquiries are being made and I will communicate with my hon. Friend on receiving a reply.

Mr. Driberg

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that these officers were originally told that they would be sent home in November and were then deferred another three months, and that many of them have now been for five years continuously on overseas service; and will he do something to equalise their treatment with that of officers in the British Army?

Mr. Henderson

The policy is to seek to equalise the treatment of British officers serving in the Indian Army and officers in the British service; in the case of British Service officers in Group 22, the period of release fixed is 10th January to 24th January next year, and I hope the same rule will apply to officers in the Indian Army.