§ Mr. CLYDEasked the Under-Secretary for India if an officer of the Indian Public Works Department is to be retained in his appointment as engineer-in-chief to the Railway Board and among the cadre number of chief engineers, first class, after attaining the age of fifty-five years; if so, whether this is contrary to Article 650 of the Civil Service Regulations; and whether he will take steps to see that the prospects of certain officers of the Public Works Department, both as regards pay and pension, are not affected thereby?
§ Mr. MONTAGUArticle 650 of the Civil Service Regulations requires the retirement at the age of fifty-five of all civil engineers in the Public Works Department. The Secretary of State has, however, temporarily authorised the Government of India in cases in which relaxation of the rules is required in the public interest to extend the services of specially selected chief and superintending engineers up to a maximum age of fifty-eight. The Secretary of State has no information as to the particular case alluded to.