HC Deb 24 February 1930 vol 235 cc1841-2
11. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can report any further steps that have been taken by the Government of India for the training of suitable Indian gentlemen in India for commissions in His Majesty's Indian Army and Air Force?

Mr. BENN

The policy of continuing to train Indian cadets in this country for the present was recommended by the Indian Sandhurst Committee, and is still being followed.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

What are the conditions of the Skeen Committee?

Mr. BENN

That is the Indian Sandhurst Committee.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Skeen Committee suggested the establishment of a college in India, and is that going to be proceeded with?

Mr. BENN

The Skeen Committee, which is the Indian Sandhurst Committee, recommended that a college should be set up in India, but not at present.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

How does the right hon. Gentleman think Indianisation can be accomplished with 10 officers a year?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

May I ask why, in a question from the Labour Benches, the expression "Indian gentlemen" is used? Why should it not be simply "Indian men"?

Mr. BENN

"Gentlemen" is the right term to apply.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

It is not always applied in the same form in this House, so that the right hon. Gentleman's reply does not suit the question.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take into his consultations the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy)?

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