HC Deb 10 March 1910 vol 14 cc1628-30
Mr. LLOYD

asked for what specific purposes, other than those already reported on by Lord Reay's Committee, the new committee is called together; whether arrangements for a public appeal form a prominent part of those purposes; and whether, if so, the Government, with a view to materially encouraging public subscriptions, will make immediate provision in next year's Estimates for a money grant in conformity with the strong recommendations laid down in the Report of Lord Reay's Committee?

Mr. MONTAGU

The object of the committee will be, as already stated, to prepare in full detail a definite scheme of teaching in the various branches of Oriental study. There is no reason to suppose that the committee will traverse the ground covered by, or reconsider the decisions of, Lord Reay's Committee. But it would be impossible to start a school or spend money until further details of staff, syllabus, etc., have been decided. When the new committee has concluded its deliberations a statement will be made as to the proposed means of providing funds. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 24th February.

Mr. LLOYD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at what date we can expect the Report of the recently formed committee, and whether it will come in sufficient time to enable a sum to be included in next year's Estimates?

Mr. MONTAGU

It would not appear that the deliberations of the committee will take any very long time, and the Report will probably be forthcoming quite shortly.

Mr. REES

Would not the present provision of the sum of £12,000 recommended by Lord Reay's Committee promote the object in view when this second committee's Report is received?

Mr. MONTAGU

There does not seem to be any use in asking the House of Commons to vote money before the scheme on which the money is to be spent is decided on.

Mr. REES

Could not Lord Reay's scheme be taken for this purpose as a kind of dummy Bill?

Mr. LLOYD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the recommendation of £12,500 has already been carried by the committee, and, therefore, there appears to be no reason for hesitation on the matter.

Mr. MONTAGU

I am afraid I did not catch the question.