§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many officials the Inspector-General of Archaælogy in India has in his department; and what are their duties?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The Director-General of Archæology has, strictly speaking, no department. The Archæological Survey Department is officered by a Director-General, who advises the local governments, and twelve superintendents and assistants, whose duty it is to investigate, report on and conserve the ancient monuments of their respective circles. These officers are responsible to the local governments, and their activities would, of course, not be affected even if the proposal of the Government of India to abolish the Director-Generalship were carried out. I may add, perhaps, that the Secretary of State in Council, after the most careful consideration of the proposals of the Government of India in all their aspects has decided not to sanction the abolition of this post. It would not be possible to explain the situation in an answer to a queston, but my Noble Friend the Secretary of State is making a statement in another place this afternoon.
Captain MURRAYMay I ask what is to happen to the other Inspectors-General, the abolition of whose posts was I understand recommended at the same time?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe offices of civil veterinary, agriculture and cantonment inspectors-general are to be abolished. The Secretary of State has decided not to sanction the abolition of the Inspector-General of Sanitation, and, as I have said, of the Director-General of Archæology. He has asked the Government of India to reconsider their recommendation with regard to the Inspectors-General of Forestry and Excise.