§ Mr. GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for India whether widows and orphans of Bengal Indian Civil Officers, who contributed to the Bengal Civil Fund and retired prior to 1881, receive their annuities at sterling rate when resident in this country, whilst widows and orphans of contributors who retired after 1881 come under new rules and receive benefit of the increased value of the rupee whether they reside in India or England; and, if so, whether he can see his way to bring all annuitants under the new rules who are at present excluded?
§ Mr. FISHERPensions under the Rules of the Bengal Civil Fund are payable at fixed sterling rates to pensioners residing in this country and at fixed rupee rates to pensioners residing in India without reference to the date of retirement1960W of the contributors. A new scheme for pensions of widows and orphans of members of the Indian Civil Service called the Indian Civil Service Family Pension Regulations, was introduced in 1881, to which all members appointed to that service after its introduction contribute. Under these Regulations the pensions are payable at fixed sterling rates. Pensioners in this country receive payment at those rates. Pensioners in India have the option of receiving payment in this country at the sterling rates or receiving their pensions in Indian currency at the rate of 15 rupees to the pound sterling. No benefit accrues to pensioners from the increased value of the rupee in any of the above cases.