HC Deb 24 February 1949 vol 461 cc2025-6
62. Mr. Hollis

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for what reason officers and non-commissioned officers of the late Indian Army are being asked to return their gratuities if they accept positions in the Civil Service.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Members of the Indian Army displaced by the transfer of power in India were awarded proportionate pension in respect of past service, and compensation for loss of career. If they obtain permanent and pensionable employment under His Majesty's Government within a relatively short period, an alternative career has been provided, and compensation for loss of career becomes inappropriate. It was, therefore, laid down in the White Paper Cmd. 7116 (1947) that, where a person obtained permanent and pensionable employment under His Majesty's Government within two years of leaving India, he should not receive compensation, but only a resettlement grant of £500.

Mr. Hollis

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great distinction between a person who is offered alternative employment immediately and a person who himself, with great difficulty, finds alternative employment, very likely at considerably lower remuneration?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The point only arises where the individual concerned is offered an established and permanent appointment. Then compensation is limited to £500.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Are the relative rates of salary taken into account? If the new job is considerably less well paid than the job the man had in India, does not that constitute at any rate a partial loss of career?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

These facts are taken into account. If the hon. Gentleman has any case in his mind and would like to bring it to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend, the Treasury will most certainly look at it.

Mr. Nicholson

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a definite answer? Cannot he say that these gratuities will be returnable only if the job is perfectly comparable both in pay and prospects? Cannot he give an answer?

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot give an assurance in the matter of compensation for loss of employment and career, will he assure the House in so far as pension, which is also mentioned, is concerned, that there will be no loss whatsoever for any of these officers or other ranks?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Certainly not. The proportionate pension goes on.