§ DR. HAZEL (West Bromwich)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, what are the duties and salary attached to the office of mathematical expert to the Survey of India; when was the office created; by whom is the appointment authorised to be made; and what is the process of selection adopted on the occurrence of a vacancy.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. MORLEY,) Montrose BurghsThe expert is required for the difficult mathematical operations which the work of the Survey involves. One such post has existed since 1885. A second has now been created as the work has increased. Mr. Hunter's salary commences at the equivalent of £600 a year and will rise in the course of eighteen years to £1,280. The appointment rests with the Secretary of State in Council, and was made after full inquiries as to possible candidates both of British or Indian nationality possessing the requisite qualifications.
§ DR. HAZELI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, what are the age and University distinctions of Mr. J. H. Hunter, who has been recently appointed to the office of mathematical expert to the Survey of India; and whether any attempt was made to secure the services 1561 of one of the distinguished mathematicians of Indian nationality who have taken the highest honours at the University of Cambridge and elsewhere.
§ MR. MORLEYMr. Hunter was bracketed twelfth wrangler in the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos, 1903, and obtained a first class in the Mechanical Science Tripos, 1904. His age is twenty-six. I have already said that the qualifications of such mathematicians of Indian nationality as were available were duly considered. I may perhaps say that the office was offered to, and declined by, an Indian who had taken a high degree at Cambridge.