§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked the Under-Secretary for India whether memorials have been received from the officers of the Public Works Department, India, with reference to increase of pensions; whether any reply has yet been given; and, if not, why has this not been done; whether the pensions of these officers have been actually reduced during the last fifteen years, although the cost of living has largely increased; whether the increase of revenue in India during recent years has been largely due to the Public Works Department; and whether a favourable reply will be given to the officers of this Department?
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERThe Secretary of State is aware that a number of memorials have been addressed by officers of the Indian Public Works Department to the Governor-General of India, praying for enhanced rates of pension. The question raised by the memorials is now under examination by the Government of India. Pending the result of this examination, the Secretary of State can make no pronouncement on the subject. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the conditions of pension applicable to members of the Public Works Department come within the scope of inquiry entrusted to the Royal Commission on the Public Services in India.