§ 7. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government weaving college at Serampore, which was started to develop the indigenous hand-weaving industry of Bengal, is now training technical assistants for joint-stock weaving and spinning companies; and, if so, whether the Government of India has sanctioned the policy of assisting these companies and the factory system at the expense of the Indian taxpayer and to the detriment of village industries?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Charles Roberts)There has been no change in the policy of the Serampore Weaving Institute. In the artisan weaving section improved methods of hand-loom weaving are taught. In the upper section the instruction there given fits students to work either as teachers of hand-loom classes, managers of hand-loom factories, or draughtsmen and designers in power-loom factories. Most of those who have so far passed out appear to be following the first two of these occupations. The school is believed to be of material service to the hand-loom industry.