HC Deb 18 April 1928 vol 216 cc177-8
32. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is now in a position to give an assurance that the Tikha Sahib of Nabha will not be taken away from his parents and educated in some manner and at some institution contrary to their wishes?

Earl WINTERTON

A condition of the ex-Maharajah's severance in 1923 of his connection with Nabha State was that the Government of India would be responsible for the education of the Tikha Sahib. His mother, who was invited to take the young Maharajah to Nabha for his installation has chosen for the present to remain at Debra Dun with her children where His Highness is at present in charge of a governess. The Maharanee has agreed that his education shall be subject to the general supervision of the Agent to the Governor-General in the Punjab States.

Mr. THURTLE

May I take it that no definite decision as to how this young man's education will be taken in defiance of the wishes of his father anti mother?

Earl WINTERTON

I think I have answered the hon. Member's question very clearly and completely. What I have said is that the ex-Maharajah agreed, at the time when the conditions were imposed in 1923, that the Government of India should be responsible for the education of Tikha Sahib, and I have also told him that at the present time his mother has chosen that he shall remain at Dehra Dun.

Mr. THURTLE

May I ask whether that agreement was not extracted from the ex-Maharajah of Nabha under duress?

Earl WINTERTON

No, Sir. I think that is a most improper suggestion for the hon. Member to make.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Has not the Noble Lord received a strong appeal from the ex-Maharajah himself?

Earl WINTERTON

No, Sir. Such an appeal would not come to me, but to my Noble Friend the Secretary of State, but I am not aware of any such appeal.