§ Sir T. BENNETTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will state approximately what was the exchange value of the rupee when the present scale of salaries in the Indian Civil Service was fixed; whether the scale wa6 fixed, and exchange compensation allowance was abolished, on the assumption that that value would continue; what the average exchange value has been during the last 12 months; and whether any steps are in contemplation to compensate for the loss which the service is sustaining in consequence of the non-fulfilment of the assumption referred to?
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§ Earl WINTERTONThe present scale of salaries of the Indian Civil Service was fixed with effect from 1st December, 1919. The official exchange value of the rupee was then two shillings. At that time it was expected that the exchange value would continue about that figure, though it could not be definitely guaranteed. During the succeeding six months it rose considerably higher, but has averaged during the last 12 months, as nearly as possible, 1s. 4d. Financial conditions have so far made it impossible for the Government of India to make any concession on this account to members of the service, but the question will not be lost sight of.