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Former Indian Civil Servants (Compensation)

Volume 643: debated on Tuesday 4 July 1961

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30.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many officers, forced to retire from the Indian Civil Service when the new Constitution came into force and who received compensation therefor, have, since 1st January, 1954, refunded such compensation on establishment in the Home Civil Service; how many of them have refunded or are refunding the full amount received by instalments; and what is the total sum involved.

I have written to the right hon. Member giving most of the information for which he asks. Twenty-one former members of the Indian and Burma Services who undertook to make refunds of compensation by instalments have completed their repayments since 31st March, 1954, which is the nearest convenient date. In twelve further cases instalments are still being paid; at 31st March, 1961, the outstanding balances totalled approximately £9,000.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have had his letter and am grateful for it? When is this practice to cease, in view of the fact that as far back as 1949 a statement was made from the Dispatch Box on be- half of the Treasury that no more compensation would be taken in this way?

As the right hon. Member is aware, this is a difficult question. I take the view that equity demands that we should continue the present arrangements, which have been applied without exception for many years, but I can assure him that I will of course bear in mind the many points he has made to me. I fully recognise his sincere concern in this subject.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at some convenient time.