§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)To ask the Secretary of State for India if he proposes to allow the Commissioner of Assam to shelve the question of improved education for the children of labourers in tea gardens and otherwise in Assam for a year; and, if so, will he explain why; and, if this course is to be taken, is he aware that the State of Baroda, affords more opportunities of primary education to its subjects than are offered in British-governed States.
(Answered by Mr. Secietary Brodrick.) I do not, as at present advised, propose to interfere with the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Assam. I doubt if in any part of India, whether British territory or Native States, special facilities are accorded for the education of agricultural labourers in excess of those granted to the general population. In primary education generally Assam is not more backward than other provinces.