HL Deb 26 March 1947 vol 146 cc804-6

2.50 p.m.

THE EARL OF SCARBROUGH

My Lords, I beg to ask the question that stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in the event of the termination of the appointments of a substantial number of European members of the Services of India and Burma, it will be their intention to set up an organization to assist and advise them in obtaining further employment.]

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA AND BURMA (LORD PETHICKLAW RENCE)

My Lords, as a result of discussions with representatives of Service Associations in India and Burma, a special branch entitled "India and Burma Services Re-employment Branch" has already been added to the Services and General Department of the India Office to assist officers of the Secretary of State's Services in India and Burma in this direction. Arrangements are also in train to set up a special Indian Services section in the London Appointments Office of the Ministry of Labour, with which the Reemployment Branch will work in close cooperation.

THE EARL OF SCARBROUGH

I thank the noble Lord for his reply, and would like to ask two supplementary questions. First, would the noble Lord take steps to see that his reply becomes widely known amongst members of those Services? Secondly, will the organization to which he has referred be able to assist not only the Secretary of State's Services but persons employed by the Government of India and the Provincial Governments on such services as railways, public works, agriculture and education?

LORD PETHICK-LAWRENCE

With regard to the first question, the fact of this question having been asked by the noble Earl will of itself, of course, provide publicity. I imagine this organization is already well-known. With regard to the second point, I should like to have notice of that.

VISCOUNT TEMPLEWOOD

Will this organization actually operate in India? It seems to me most important that the position should be explained on the spot to officials in India. I do not think a Department acting simply in the India Office in London will fulfil that need. Secondly, may I ask the noble Lord—who will realize that this question and the answer affect only a small part of the problems with which the Service is faced—when he is likely to be in a position to give information upon the wider issues raised by the liquidation of the Service, as far instance, on the very important question of compensation?

LORD PETHICK-LAWRENCE

With regard to the first question, I am not in a position to give any more detail, but I think the organization will achieve the purposes for which it has been set up. With regard to the second question, which is on a different subject, I may say that that matter is under very close consideration. I hope to give an answer on it quite soon.