§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the treatment of the Caves of Elephanta, and will he say by whose authority this action has been taken; and whether he will see that other monuments in India are preserved from similar treatment?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)I am aware that certain works which have been recently carried out for the purpose of securing the safety and otherwise conserving the rock temples at Elephanta have been unfavourably criticised an the public Press, but I have no official information. The Bombay Government is the responsible authority, and will no doubt consider these criticisms, and will take such action as may be necessary in consultation with the Department of Archæology.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWhen is the hon. Gentleman likely to have the information, and is he aware that this question of preventing vandalism is one of the greatest importance in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt was in order to avoid vandalism that the Department of Archæology was instituted.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWould the hon. Gentleman, since he has seen what appeared in the Press, call for an inquiry as to what has been done and see whether it calls for interference?
§ Mr. MONTAGUOf course, the letters that appeared in the public Press, and the hon. Member's question itself, will be taken into consideration by the Bombay Government, but if the hon. Member wishes I shall direct special attention to it.