§ Mr. BARNES (for Mr. Ramsay Macdonald)asked whether the Government of Madras has decided that secondary educa- 35 tion should be self-supporting and has in consequence raised fees for secondary schools to such an extent that only the children of well-to-do parents can attend these institutions; and, if so, whether this has met with the approval of the Government of India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe question of raising the standard rates of fees in secondary schools under public management was very fully discussed in the Madras Legislative Council on 18th April. My hon. Friend will see from the report of the Debate in the "Fort St. George Gazette" of 3rd May that the Madras Government have arrived at no decision in the matter; that they are not committed to the increase of eightpence a month recommended by a conference of representative educationalists; and that they have undertaken to give very careful consideration to the remarks made on the subject in Council. The matter is within the competence of the local government and the sanction of the Government of India is not required.
§ Mr. REESMay I ask whether the Madras Government has not to consider the pockets of the masses of cultivators who pay taxes in India as well as the wishes of ardent educationalists in England?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIf my hon. Friend will read the report of the proceedings in the "Gazette" I have mentioned he will see that all these matters have been brought up in debate.