§ 8. Sir EDWIN CORNWALLasked the Secretary of State for India whether the conductor of the Vice-regal orchestra has recently changed his German nationality for British, and whether he still holds his position; whether the German band con- 10 dnctor of the Governor of Bengal has just been interned; how long he held his post after the War started; and if there are any other German band conductors in India holding official or semi-official positions?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Chamberlain)I have no information with regard to the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the German director of the Governor of Bengal's band was interned last October. As regards the third part, I am not aware of any definite case except that of an Austrian, an elderly man of good conduct, who has been permitted to retain his post as bandmaster of the 2nd battalion of the 9th Gurkha Regiment As I have already stated, I am in communication with the Government of India as to the treatment of alien enemies generally, and am at present awaiting a report from them. I hope that other hon. Members will allow me to wait for the report before I make any further announcement.