§ 2. Sir J. D. REESasked whether it has been arranged as the result of a strike, 1832 revolt, or combination of Indian students at Edinburgh against the supervision, surveillance, or discipline now assumed over them by the Secretary of State in Council and exercised through the agency of Mr. C. E. Mallet, in the official capacity of adviser of Indian students, that only such students as have actually been placed under the guardianship of the India Office shall come under the direction and receive the advice of the adviser; and, if so, whether this admission of the voluntary principle will be of general application; and, if so, how many Indian students will remain subject to the receipt of the advice of the adviser and his colleagues and subordinates, if any; and at what cost to the Indian taxpayer in the gross, and per head of Indian student in particular?
§ Mr. MONTAGUNo supervision or surveillance has been assumed by the Secretary of State over Indian students generally at Edinburgh or elsewhere, but local advisers have been appointed who may be of service to them. In Edinburgh eight students have been placed by their parents under the guardianship of the Secretary of State's representative, and towards them he will have special obligations; but his aid and advice are at the disposal of any Indian student who may apply to him. The fee payable to him is £100 a year. The total number of Indian students in Edinburgh University is 229.
§ 3. Sir J. D. REESasked what has been the outcome of the decision and formal resolution of Indian students at Glasgow, pledging themselves to have no official connection with the Secretary of State in Council's adviser of Indian students and declining to meet him for the discussion of his position in regard to themselves; whether the objection to official surveillance over non-official students is peculiar to Scotland, or whether similar manifestations of independence have been made in other quarters?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am happy to say that the position of the Adviser of Indian students at the University of Glasgow is now better understood. His advice and aid are sought by an increasing number of students. Engineering students in particular find him very helpful in securing facilities for practical work during the vacations. There is no question of surveillance in the matter.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the giving of this advice absolutely voluntary on the part of the adviser?
§ Mr. MONTAGUHe is prepared to advise any student who may wish to consult him.
§ Sir J. D. REESIn any case whether they wish advice or not is there an adviser?
§ Mr. MONTAGUNo adviser has been appointed by the Secretary of State in any place where his services are not required by at least some of the Indian students.
§ 5. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary for India whether the Government Commercial Institute, in Calcutta, publishes any information regarding the careers of its past students and particularly of such as are sent at the expense of the taxpayer to foreign countries to acquire some trade or profession; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of stating to what extent the careers of these trained Indian students are beneficial to India and to themselves?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State does not know whether the Government Commercial Institute, Calcutta, publishes detailed information regarding past students, and he is not aware that any receive State scholarships for study abroad. The institute is said to meet a local want. The Secretary of State does not consider inquiry necessary.