HC Deb 04 August 1947 vol 441 cc974-5
41. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if former officers of the Secretary of State's services in India who desire to retire must retire on or before 15th August next, or if they can remain in the services while being free to retire at any time after 15th August next.

Mr. A. Henderson

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 9 of the announcement in regard to compensation made by the Prime Minister on 30th April last, and paragraph 10 of the Viceroy's statement made on the same date.

Mr. Reid

May I ask my right hon. and learned Friend if, according to that statement, officers can stay on after 15th August and need not declare their intentions on or before that date?

Mr. Henderson

Of course, the Viceroy, in terms, invited officers to remain, but there is no compulsion.

Mr. Hector Hughes

If such officers remain, will they do so on terms as good as those which they enjoyed before?

Mr. Henderson

indicated assent.

42. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many officers of the Secretary of State's services in India were in these services when the recent Indian Independence Act was passed; and how many have elected to retire.

Mr. A. Henderson

The Government of India have been asked to furnish the information, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as it is received.

Brigadier Low

Will the Minister publish the figures in HANSARD so that all hon. Members can see them?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir.