§ MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Dharmakarta of the, Rameshvaram temple proposes to destroy that edifice and to build up another in its place; and, if so, whether the Madras Government will take any action, direct or indirect, in order to prevent such destruction.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) I understand that the manager of the temple has been entrusted by his coreligionists with subscriptions to a very large amount for the repair and restoration of the temple, and that the project which has been approved of provides for the renovation of the wall of the outermost court and the complete rebuilding of the two inner courts. The Madras Government has tendered advice to the manager, but it is not in a position to interfere in the matter against the wishes of the temple authorities.