§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the writings of Edmund Burke have been excluded from the curriculum of the Calcutta University; and, if so, will he state who is responsible for this being done, and the reason for such action?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have seen a statement in the newspapers to the affect that the Board of Studies for English has recommended the substitution of Cowper's letters and Carlyle's Lectures on Heroes and Hero Worship for Burke's works in the curriculum for the B.A. degree of the Calcutta University, and that this proposal has been approved by the Syndicate in which, under the regulations, the executive government of the University is vested. The change is said to have been made in the interest of the students for purely academic reasons. It is open to any Fellow of the University to bring the matter before the Senate with a view to the reconsideration of the decision.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he does not consider that Burke's "Reflections on the French Revolution" and "Letters on the Regicide Peace" would afford excellent reading both for the Calcutta College students and the hon. Gentleman who asked the question?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe choice of works to be set down in the curriculum is a matter that is left entirely to the syndicate, subject to correction on appeal to the Senate. It is only a question of the proper study of English that was considered by the syndicate. The change was made for reasons of culture and not for political reasons.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLWill the hon. Gentleman cause any representation to be made to the Senate that they may make an exception perhaps in favour of John Morley's "Edmund Burke"?
§ Mr. W. R. PEELDoes the hon. Gentleman really think that the works of Carlyle are suitable for the students of Calcutta University?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat is a matter for decision by the Senate of the University.