§ MR. CAINE (Cornwall, Camborne)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been directed to the Report of the Indian Universities Commission; whether any educational policy that may be founded upon the will be carried into effect by resolution of the Government of India or by legislation; and whether, before giving his sanction to any such policy, he will give the House of Commons an opportunity of discussing the matter.
(Answered by Secretary Lord George, Hamilton.) I have seen the Report of the Indian Universities Commission, which has been referred to the local governments for their opinions. When those opinions have been obtained by the Government of India the Report will be further considered, but at present it is premature to attempt to anticipate the form in which the policy that may he adopted will be announced. Nor can I undertake that before that policy is adopted it will be submitted for discussion in the House of Commons.
§ MR. CAINETo ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that at one time the only law college in Bengal was in connection with the Presidency College; that, on the affiliation of the other law classes, students left the Presidency College for those classes, where the fees were lower; and that the Government thereupon abolished the Presidency College classes in law; and, whether it is now proposed to revive the Presidency College classes in law and to abolish the affiliated classes.
(Answered by Secretary Lord George Hamilton.) The proposal referred to in the Question is contained in the Report of the Indian Universities Commission (paragraphs 121 and 122). As I have said, in answer to the preceding Question, I understand that the Government of India have not yet arrived at any conclusion on the subject.
§ MR. CAINETo ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the recommendations of the Indian Universities Commission, and to the proposed closing of local law classes: and whether he will protect the interests of the poorer students from suffering through increase of fees.
(Answered by Secretary Lord George Hamilton.) I beg to refer the hon. Member to my answer to the last Question but one. The matter referred to will not be lost sight of by the Government of India, who. I am confident, will take due account of the interests of the poorer students.