§ 31. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any date has been fixed on which members of Indian services must be serving in order to qualify for compensation; and if he will make arrangements for leave to be granted, preparatory to retirement, and ensure that leave prior to the fixed date will count as service qualifying for compensation.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for India (Mr. Arthur Henderson)I must ask the hon. Member to await the announcement on the subject, which will be made very shortly.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhen will the UnderSecretary's noble Friend be able to give some assurance to alleviate the anxiety as to the future of these splendid men and their families who have given the best part of their lives in the service of India?
§ Mr. HendersonThe statement to be made will cover those matters which arise as a result of the termination of the careers of members of the Secretary of State's services following the transfer of power.
§ Sir Patrick HannonWill the UnderSecretary make perfectly clear to his noble Friend the anxiety there is in this House as to the future of these distinguished servants in India, and that they should be provided for?
§ Lord John HopeWill the UnderSecretary give some indication when exactly this statement will be made?
§ Mr. HendersonI said "very shortly" in my reply.
§ Lord John HopeWill it be weeks or months?
§ Mr. HendersonIt is hoped to be able to make the statement this week.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Under-Secretary take note of the concern being shown by 1518 hon. Members opposite for these civil servants after all the infamous things they have been saying about civil servants?