§ Mr. KINGasked whether Mr. Abanindro Nath Tagore, C.I.E., was passed over by the Government of Bengal some years ago when a vacancy occurred in the principalship of the Calcutta School of Art; whether the attention of the Secretary of State has been drawn to his work, and that of a number of Indian artists trained by him, now being exhibited in the Indian Section of the Victoria and Albert Museum; and whether the capacity of these artists for giving instruction in Indian art will be considered when such vacancies occur in future?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSMr. Tagore's merits as an artist and teacher of painting are fully recognised by the Government of Bengal, and for this reason he has been placed in charge of the Fine Art section of the Calcutta School of Art in the capacity of vice-principal and on a special salary. He was not appointed principal as he was not held to be qualified and he himself agreeing that the supervision and development of the school on its industrial side would be better left m other hands. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the affirmative.
§ 6. Mr. KINGasked whether the vacancy caused by the retirement of Sir Swinton Jacob as adviser to the new Delhi architects in matters relating to Indian craftsmanship has been, or will be, filled up.
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSA successor to Sir Swinton Jacob has not been appointed, but when work at Delhi is further advanced the establishment of a school of Indian craftsmen under Indian guidance to work in connection with the architects is the probable form that the action of the Government of India will take.
§ Mr. KINGWill the hon. Gentleman go further, and, instead of saying that it is probable, will he say that it is certain and so allay any suspicions I may have?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSI am afraid it is not possible for me to allay the hon. Member's suspicions, but I will convey his request for further action to the Secretary of State.
§ 7. Mr. KINGasked whether the Secretary of State adheres to the principle laid 113 down by his predecessors that Government schools of art in India exist for the promotion of Indian art; and whether the qualifications of Indian teachers have been fully considered in appointments to the staffs of those schools which come under his patronage?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSThe answer to the first question is in the affirmative on the understanding that Indian art includes applied design and industrial art. The Secretary of State appoints to Indian art schools only in cases where the Indian Government is not able to find in India persons with the required qualifications. He has no reason to suppose that the qualifications of Indian teachers are in such cases overlooked.