§ 96. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is aware that pensions payable by the Government of Pakistan to retired officers of the Indian Police are now, in many cases, much overdue; that such officers on retirement are entitled to receive the amount of the railway fares of their wives and families from their last 85W stations to the port of embarkation, and that these amounts, known as passage gratuities, have also not been paid; and whether he will take immediate steps to secure payment to these officers of all sums due to them.
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerThe delay has been mainly in the divided Provinces. The United Kingdom High Commissioner in Pakistan is in close touch with the authorities concerned, and progress is being made in settling outstanding cases. To avoid hardship, the Pakistan authorities have granted anticipatory pensions where possible. I would be grateful if the hon. and gallant Member would let me have particulars of any cases that have been brought to his notice. Passage gratuities are not payable in every case of retirement. We have had very few complaints about non-payment, but I will give urgent consideration to any outstanding case that is brought to my notice.