§ Viscount ELMLEYasked the Secretary of State for India why pensions for the officers of the imperial services in India, civil and military, are not guaranteed by His Majesty's Government, in view of the fact that these officers, in both departments, are appointed by His Majesty's Secretary of State for India?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs I explained in my reply to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Kirkpatrick) on 7th March, the responsibility for ensuring that the necessary funds are forthcoming for the payment of such pensions, rests with the Secretary of State for India, and the consent of Parliament would be required to any change in this position. As I stated on that occasion, it is inconceivable to the present Government that, in dealing with any scheme of constitutional change in India, Parliament could fail to provide such safeguards as may be necessary to ensure the due payment of pensions to officers who have served the country.