§ 4. Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his Department maintain or assist any hostels or homes for Indian students in this country; if so, will he state how many are so helped and where they are situated; how many students are housed in them; if they are restricted to only law and medical students; can he state what method is adopted to attract students to such homes; and what is the approximate annual cost of the same to his Department?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo hostels or homes for Indian students in this country are maintained, assisted, or controlled by the India Office. One such hostel is maintained and controlled by the High Commissioner for India on behalf of the Government of India. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT information regarding this institution which has been furnished to me by the High Commissioner.
§ Following is the information referred to:
§ There is only one hostel for Indian students maintained by the Government of India which is under the supervisory control of the High Commissioner for India. This is situated at 21, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, and provides accommodation for 33 men. The accommodation provided is available for any Indian who is a bona fide student, and is not restricted to any particular class. The hostel was established to provide for the accommodation of students on their first arrival, until they are able to find permanent lodgings. Full particulars regarding the accommodation available are given in the Handbook for Indian Students," pages 6 and 7, a publication of the High Commissioner for India, whilst the Advisory Committees in India are also in a position to supply full information about this hostel to students about to proceed to England who consult 895 them. The approximate amount disbursed through the office of the High Commissioner for India, from Indian revenues in respect of the hostel was, for 1922–23, £2,300, as compared with £2,900 for 1921–22, and £3,700 for 1920–21.