HC Deb 22 August 1889 vol 340 cc95-6
SIR JOHN KENNAWAY (Devon, Honiton)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether it is a fact that a lady, Native of India, who had graduated with first-class honours at an Indian University, has been held to be ineligible to the scholarships instituted by the Government of India, and tenable in England; and, whether there is anything in the resolution of the Government of India of 12th February, 1886, constituting these scholarships to exclude women from their benefits; if there is not, would he communicate with the Government of India, with a view to throwing open the prizes of University education to all Her Majesty's Subjects irrespective of sex?

THE UNDEE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir J. GORST,) Chatham

The facts are as stated. The Indian Scholarships were constituted as an experiment, and were intended for men only. The Secretary of State considers the decision of the Government of India right, and does not intend at present to make any alteration in the system.