§ 31. Mr. Tilneyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many ex-India and ex-Burma civil servants have been asked to return their lump sum compensation by reason of being offered alternative employment by Her Majesty's Government; and how much has so far been claimed back and paid.
§ Mr. BrookeSince 1948–49, 109 officers of the Indian and Burman services have been asked to refund for this reason compensation amounting to £196,000. Of this £190,000 has so far been paid.
§ Mr. TilneyIs there not a standstill concerning those at present and recently established in the Home Civil Service who have been asked to repay a substantial lump sum, the period of the standstill coming to an end at 31st December? Since my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Sir T. Beamish) hopes to take Parliamentary action, possibly through a Ten-Minute Bill, to rectify what some of us regard as an injustice, will my right hon. Friend consider extending the period of standstill for another three months?
§ Mr. BrookeNo, Sir; I cannot accept that there has been any injustice here, 1556 nor can I add anything to the very full explanation which was given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary in reply to an Adjournment debate on 1st November.