§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) 58W whether British home rates of pay were given to Indian Army officers on leave because their previous rates were not conducive to making the Indian Army career at all attractive; whether, although Indian Army officers were granted home rates of pay, the same allowances as British officers received were withheld from them; and whether, in these circumstances, he can undertake to make no reductions in the pay of Indian Army officers whilst they are on leave;
(2) what allowances are paid to Indian Army officers drawing British home rates of pay; how these allowances compare with those of British officers of similar rank; and, if the allowances are less in the case of Indian Army officers, whether he can see his way to make the recent reductions in the, pay of Indian Army officers on leave inoperative when they are in the United Kingdom?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe leave pay rules for the two services are essentially the same. Regimental officers of both services are eligible for two months' leave in each year on full pay, and after that for leave on reduced pay. In both cases this reduced pay, when the leave is taken in Europe, consists of British pay of rank and ration allowance. This rule was introduced in 1919 as affording a fair equivalent for the sterling leave rates previously in force for Indian Army officers which had become obsolete with the general raising of the scales of pay. Therefore, the question of remitting the cost of living reduction, which is applied to both services for the same reason, does not appear to arise.
§ Major HORE - BELISHAasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether Indian Army officers coming 59W home on leave have to pay in full for their passages to and from India; if so, whether he will say what is the average sum involved; whether he is aware that British Army officers get free passages for themselves and their families on relief; and whether, in these circumstances, he will undertake not to make any reductions in the pay of Indian Army officers on leave?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy noble Friend has recently sanctioned the grant of free passages for Indian Army officers coming home on leave with effect from 14th February last. The provision of passages for military officers will correspond in value to that now inforce for the Superior Civil Services. The details of the scheme are still under consideration.