§ 31. Brigadier Lowasked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many charges have, since 1st January, 1946, been brought against Indian members of the Secretary of State's services in India arising out of the events of 1942; how many against British members of the same services since the same date; and if he will circulate a detailed statement showing the charges, the names of the officials concerned and the result of any trial held.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI am asking the Government of India for this information and will circulate it on its receipt.
§ Brigadier LowSurely these men are in the Secretary of State's service, and he should, therefore, have sought the information?
§ Mr. HendersonThe hon. and gallant Gentleman has a great knowledge of the position in India, and he knows, quite well, that a good many things happen in that country which are not automatically reported to the India Office.
§ 32. Brigadier Lowasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if it is intended to bring the Secretary of State's services in India to an end prior to June, 1948; or if it is intended to allow those who so wish to retire earlier than June, 1948, with proportionate pension and compensation.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject as it is still under consideration.
§ Brigadier LowCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman give any indication as to when he will be prepared to make this statement?
§ Mr. HendersonI would remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that it is only about 10 days ago that the Prime Minister announced the firm date by which power will be transferred to the responsible authorities in India. I hope that he will agree that we must have a little time to consider all the matters consequent upon that.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise the extremely bad effect that this state of uncertainty has on the administration of India, and surely this is not the first time that this sort of problem has occurred?
§ Mr. HendersonThe question of terminating the Secretary of State's services in India is involved in the main decision as to when power will be transferred to the Indian authorities, and a firm announcement was made only 10 or 12 days ago.
§ Mr. NicholsonCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say when he expects to make an announcement?
§ Mr. HendersonAs soon as we have completed consideration of this matter and decisions have been taken, an announcement will be made.
§ Mr. RankinWho is to be liable for compensation—the Government of India or our own Government?
§ Mr. HendersonThe questions affecting this matter are under consideration.
§ Mr. GrimstonAre we to take it that this matter was not under consideration before the announcement was made?
§ Mr. HendersonNo, Sir. The matter has been under consideration for some little time. What I have said was that it was not found possible to arrive at a firm decision because this is involved in the main question of the date of transfer of power.