EARL of RONALDSHAYasked if it is the intention of the Indian Government to abolish the post of Inspector-General of Archæology in India; and, if so, will he state on what grounds it is proposed to do so?
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked whether the Government of India still proposes to abolish the office of Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, and to take other steps to diminish the activities of the survey?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Director-General of Archaeology is one of several inspecting officers attached to the central government whose services the Government of India are disposed to think might be dispensed with. The grounds are the promotion of the policy of decentralising the administration, and of effecting economies. The whole question is at present under the consideration of the Secretary of State in Council.
EARL of RONALDSHAYMight I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will impress upon the Government of India the fact that the work carried out by Mr. Marshall meets with universal approval and has been carried out at a very small cost?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Government of India made these recommendations to the Secretary of State, and it is for him to decide whether he will sanction or refuse to sanction the proposals. The considerations the Noble Lord mentions will, of course, with others, have attention.
§ Mr. MALCOLMMay I ask whether the idea of this abolition proceeded originally 692 from London or from the Vice-regal Council?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Government of India suggested the abolition of several inspectorships, including the Director-General of Archaeology.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDMight I ask for an answer to the latter part of my question: whether this involves any diminution in the activities of the survey?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt would involve a curtailment of expenditure on archæology in India.
§ Mr. ASHLEYSupposing sanction is given by the Home Government, who will perform the duties of the post which is to be abolished?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat is a hypothetical question. If the post is abolished and nothing is substituted for it, the duties will not be performed.