§ Major Conantasked the Secretary of State for War, what is the average length of overseas service of British officers serving with the Indian Army; and to what extent this period has been reduced in the past six months.
§ Sir J. GriggI understand my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to officers of the British service attached to units of the Indian Army. In December, 1944, a considerable number of these officers had served continuously overseas for longer than the period of 3 years 8 months applicable to officers and men serving in India and S.E.A.C. By the end of this month only very few will have been overseas longer than 3 years 8 months, and the period will gradually be reduced in accordance with the statement I made in the Debate on 8th June.