HC Deb 04 March 1946 vol 420 cc13-5
35. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Undersecretary of State for India why British recruitment for the Indian Civil Service is still taking place and being advertised; whether the consequence of constitutional changes is made clear to all applicants; and whether all future recruitment will be confined to Indians, particularly in view of the prospective mission of Cabinet Ministers

Mr. A. Henderson

Vacancies in the Indian Civil Service which accrued during the war are being filled on the basis of the pre-war ratios as between British and Indian recruits (1) in order to implement undertakings given in respect of the reservation of such vacancies for candidates with "war service" and (2) in order to maintain the administrative machine pending the transfer of responsibility. All candidates are being specifically warned that constitutional developments may result at any time in appointment under the Secretary of State being terminated. The question of future recruitment is under consideration in consultation with the Government of India.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not my hon. and learned Friend agree that these advertisements imply that there are no Indians suitable for the jobs, and does he not agree that they also give a most unfortunate impression that we do not really mean business in this matter?

Mr. Henderson

In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, it is not the case that recruitment has been confined to entrants from this country, and as regards the second part, I do not think that is a fair inference to draw, in view of the fact that, even under present circumstances, of the total number of officers in the Central, Provincial and Subordinate Civil Services of some 500,000, only between 2,000 and 3,000 are Europeans; and in relation to the Indian Civil Service itself, the number of Indians is 629 and the number of Europeans 560.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not that reinforce the suggestions that we might as well fill the vacancies entirely by Indians? Can the Minister say what compensation will be given to those who may have to come out of office as a consequence of changes?

Mr. Henderson

An announcement has already been made on this matter, but if my hon. Friend will put a Question on the Order Paper, I will give him the details.

Mr. Usborne

Is there any reason why vacancies should not now be reserved for Indians, unless the Indians specifically ask for Europeans?

Mr. Henderson

The question of future recruitment is under consideration.