§ 3. Mr. SPOORasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that at a selection test held in August last in India, to select candidates for permanent commissions in the Indian Medical Service, only those candidates holding an English degree were successful; whether, in view of this fact, instructions have been issued by the Secretary of State that those candidates who possess Indian medical qualifications alone are unfit for permanent commissions in the Indian Medical Service and that for this an English degree is necessary; and whether, in view of the recommendations of the Indian Students' Committee presided over by Lord Lytton in 1921, he can state the position of the Government of India and His Majesty's Government in the matter?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second in the negative. Candidates who possess the necessary qualifications prescribed by the regulations, whether they have been obtained in India or in this country, are selected strictly on their merits. As regards the third part of the question, I am not aware of any definite recommendation made by the Committee on Indian students on this subject. I can, however, 1385 assure the right hon. Gentleman that every effort is being made to improve the standard of medical teaching in India.
§ 6. Mr. PALINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the policy of the Government of India and of His Majesty's Government to recruit candidates to the Indian medical service from Europeans rather than from Indians; and whether he is aware that the expense to the Indian taxpayer is very much heavier in the case of European than in the case of Indian medical men?
§ Earl WINTERTONRecruitment for the Indian Medical Service is carried out strictly on a ratio of two Europeans to one Indian. This in present conditions has the effect of increasing the number of Indians in the Service. All officers draw the same rates of pay, but those of non-Asiatic domicile receive certain benefits to compensate for permanent service abroad. The additional expense in the ease of the European officer is relatively small.