HC Deb 17 March 1930 vol 236 cc1675-6
3. Mr. MARDY JONES

asked the Secretary of State for India the total number of Indian students now in residence at the School of Mines, Dhanbad; how many of these students have been previously employed in and about the mines of India; and can he state whether any of them are the sons of mine officials or of working miners in India?

Mr. BENN

The latest information I have in regard to the first part of the question is that the total number of enrolled students was 125 in November, 1928. I have no information in regard to the rest of the question.

Mr. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether it is not the case that no miner or miner's son has been educated at this college; and will he also inquire as to what steps are being taken to encourage their education at this college?

Mr. BENN

I will certainly make inquiries as the hon. Member desires. I am not sure that he is right in his assumption.

Mr. JONES

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to take my assurance and also visit the place himself?

Mr. BENN

I am prepared to accept the hon. Member's assurance. I was not expressing any doubt. I was expressing my own opinion on the facts available; but I will have further inquiries made.