§ Captain BARTONasked the Secretary of State for India whether, with regard to the compensation payable to civil officers whose posts are abolished, the various Service associations in India will be given an opportunity of commenting on the scale; and whether the matter will be discussed in this House before a definite decision is arrived at?
§ Sir S. HOARESo far as officers under his control are concerned, it rests with the Secretary of State in Council to decide what terms shall be granted, and, as indicated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's question of 22nd February, a decision in the matter has already been reached. In the case of officers under the control of the Governments in India, the decision rests with the particular Government concerned, but it is anticipated that the same terms as have been sanctioned for officers under the control of the Secretary of State in Council will be granted in the majority of cases. So far as I am aware, the Service associations have not been consulted in this matter, nor would it be in accordance with usual practice to seek their views in a matter of this kind. But any representations that they may make regarding the decisions taken will, of course, receive careful consideration.