HC Deb 03 June 1946 vol 423 cc1599-600
30. Mr. Keeling

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Cabinet Mission have obtained guarantees that any independent Government of India will honour the obligations of its present Government in respect of pensions.

Mr. A. Henderson

No, Sir, but these and other matters will come up for negotiation and settlement in due course in connection with transfer of power to the Government of the new Independent India. The stage for such negotiations has, however, not yet been reached.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Minister give an assurance that the British Government intend to safeguard the rights of these pensioners, many of whom contributed to their pensions?

Mr. Henderson

I have just indicated that the matter of pensions will be the subject of negotiation in due course.

Mr. Keeling

That is not an answer.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is the Minister aware that this matter is causing some uneasiness, and that although we in the House have no doubt about the intentions of the Government, a reassuring statement would be very welcome to many people?

Mr. Henderson

I can assure the hon. Member that the question of pensions will obviously be safeguarded by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Keeling

That is better.