HC Deb 01 June 1921 vol 142 cc1068-9W
Mr. GWYNNE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that between 200 and 300 demobilised officers are waiting at Deolali, and in some cases have been waiting for three months, for passages to return to England; that they are quartered under canvas with no fans, or punkahs, or adequate furniture, and suffer great discomforts, and that in several cases officers who have situations to return to are in danger of losing them owing to this delay; and, in view of the statement made recently that the number of passages available each week exceeded the demand, will he have special inquiries made into this case and see that these officers are given facilities to get home immediately?

Mr. MONTAGU

I have already communicated with the Government of India regarding the delay in getting demobilisable officers home. Steps have been taken to secure every available berth on private steamers for these officers. I have now sent an inquiry to the Government of India regarding the conditions at Deolali camp, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. Friend.