§ SIR MANCHERJEE BHOWNAGGREE (Bethnal Green, N.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can state how many Government scholarships are awarded annually to graduates of Indian universities for the purpose of pursuing their studies in Great Britain; whether it is an indispensable condition of these scholarships that those holding them should join the universities of Oxford or Cambridge; and, considering the need of technical education in India and the absence of adequate means for such instruction there, he will consider the advisability of founding additional scholarships for the special purpose of enabling selected candidates to pursue technical studies in Great Britain or other countries of Europe.
§ LORD G. HAMILTONTwo Government scholarships are awarded annually to graduates of Indian universities. The scholars are required to join the university of Oxford or that of Cambridge. The provision of technical instruction in India is a matter of great importance, and the Government of India have done and are doing much to develop and improve it. I will call their attention to the suggestion of my hon. friend with regard to the foundation of additional scholarships for enabling the selected candidates to pursue technical studies in Europe; but I cannot at present promise anything more than this.
§ SIR MANCHERJEE BHOWNAGGREEMay I ask whether, pending the foundation of additional scholarships, the 430 noble Lord will instruct the Government of India to remove the restriction as regards joining the universities of Oxford or Cambridge in the case of candidates desiring to pursue technical studies?
§ * LORD G. HAMILTONI must ask for notice.