MR. SCOURFIELDsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for India, If any explanation can be offered of the reasons which have induced the Civil Service Commissioners to select as a successful candidate in the last competitive examination for the Civil Service in India, Sir. Borooah, who appears according to the evidence afforded by the regulation of the Calcutta University, and the date of his entrance examination to that University, as specified in the Calcutta Gazette, to have been disqualified by his age from becoming a candidate on that occasion?
MR. GRANT DUFFSir, in reply to my hon. Friend, I have to say that the Secretary of State for India in Council has neither the power nor the wish in any way to interfere with the absolute discretion of the Civil Service Commissioners, who are the sole judges of all such questions as that which has, it appears, arisen in the case of Mr. Borooah. They have just proposed to us that a certificate from the chief local authority in India should be held conclusive as to the ages of natives of India, and should be required by them in all cases; but we can only give advice and facilitate the carrying into effect of their arrangements. They make and interpret their own rules, and we have every reason to be satisfied with the results of their action.