HC Deb 12 November 1945 vol 415 cc1725-6
4. Major Conant

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India why officers of the Indian Army in Release Groups 22 and 23 have been instructed that their release is postponed till February, 1946.

The Under-Secretary of State for India (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

The reasons which induced His Majesty's Government reluctantly to postpone release of the groups in question in the British Army apply with equal force to the Indian Army, since the release arrangements for the Indian Army follow as closely as possible the release arrangements for the British Service.

Major Conant

Would not the Minister agree that officers who volunteer for service with the Indian Army have received very harsh treatment with regard to leave, and could they not receive special treatment in the matter of release?

Mr. Henderson

I agree that those who have served in the Far East have been handicapped, so far as leave is concerned, as against those who served in other theatres of war; but I think the House will agree that it is desirable that a uniform policy should be followed on the question of release with regard to both Services.

Major Conant

I am referring to those officers who transferred to the Indian Army, and not to those who served especially in the Far East.

Mr. Henderson

I think that whether we are dealing with those who transferred or not, it is desirable that a uniform policy should be followed on the question of release.

Mr. Eden

When the right hon. Gentleman speaks of uniformity, however desirable it may be, will he also bear in mind that I do not think that the House would wish to see these men continue to serve solely for the sake of uniformity?

Major Wyatt

Is the Minister aware that these officers have been informed that their release would be accelerated?

Mr. Henderson

I am not aware of that.