HL Deb 22 September 1948 vol 158 cc133-4
LORD CLYDESMUIR

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 whether, in view of the long period during which this question has been under consideration, they are now in a position to make a statement about the grant of proportionate pensions to members of the non-Secretary of State's Services in India and Pakistan.]

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL AND PAYMASTER-GENERAL (VISCOUNT ADDISION)

My Lords, this matter is still under consideration by the Governments of India and Pakistan. I regret that it is not possible for me to make any further statement at present.

LORD CLYDESMUIR

Is the noble Viscount aware that there is a growing feeling of anxiety on behalf of these men; that many of them have had to leave their posts and that the machinery in this country for finding them alternative occupations does not seem to be working very satisfactorily? If I bring cases to the notice of the appropriate Department, can I be sure that they will be sympathetically considered?

VISCOUNT ADDISON

I am glad to give the noble Lord that assurance. Everything is being done to assist these officers to obtain other employment. Any who is in need of employment, or who is placed in such circumstances as the noble Lord as mentioned, should apply to the India and Burma Reemployment Branch, Tavistock Square.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

May I ask the noble Viscount whether he can give any indication as to when the Government are likely to be able to make any further statement on this subject?

VISCOUNT ADDISON

I have been going further into the matter to-day, but I am afraid that at the moment I cannot say any more.

THE EARL OF SCARBROUGH

May I ask the noble Viscount whether the Government will bear in mind the very long time that the men concerned have been in suspense? It is over a year since their position changed; it is nearly six months since the question was debated in this House, and three months since the Secretary of State concerned received a deputation. All this time they have been waiting, and they do not know what the result will be.

VISCOUNT ADDISON

I am well aware of all the facts mentioned by the noble Earl. Your Lordships must remember that the Governments of. India and Pakistan are also concerned. We are doing our very best.