HL Deb 11 May 1948 vol 155 cc747-8

3.3 p.m.

EARL WAVELL

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

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress has been made in negotiations with the Dominions of India and Pakistan on the granting of proportionate pensions to the uncovenanted European members of the services in these Dominions; whether these Dominions have agreed to grant forthwith proportionate pensions to those officers whose services have already been terminated; and whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, His Majesty's Government will send out a member of the Government to discuss these matters with the two Dominions before the end of May as they did on behalf of the Secretary of State services over fifteen months ago.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF LISTOWEL)

My Lords, negotiations with the Dominion Governments on this matter have not yet started. As stated in the reply to the noble and gallant Earl's Motion of April 7 last, we expect them to take place at the same time as the discussions relating to the sterling balances, which it is hoped to begin in the near future, and we are in touch with the Dominion Governments as to this. In view of the imminence of the more general financial discussions, His Majesty's Government do not consider it desirable to invite the Dominion Governments to agree to a Minister being sent out to discuss this particular question with them.

LORD CLYDESMUIR

Is the noble Earl aware that under the programme he has sketched at least a year will have elapsed from the time of the transfer of power before anything is done for these men? Those of us who are interested in this question are receiving letters indicating great anxiety. A number of these men have, in fact, already retired. Having that in mind, will the noble Earl do his best to expedite the discussions?

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

I can assure the noble Lord that His Majesty's Government are well aware of the importance of getting this matter settled at the earliest possible moment.

EARL WAVELL

Are His Majesty's Government aware, as I am from correspondence, of the growing tide of resentment among these people at the attitude of the Government, and the feeling that the matter is not being treated as urgent, while a great many of them are retiring or have already retired?

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

I cannot accept the noble Earl's suggestion that we are not doing our best.