HC Deb 02 March 1931 vol 249 c9
19. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress is being made in the establishment of training colleges in India for officers for the Indian Army; how many of these colleges it is proposed to establish; whether it is proposed to start an aviation school; and whether it is intended to train India gentlemen as officers in the artillery and engineers?

Mr. BENN

A full statement of the Government's policy in these matters was given in the speech made in the Council of State on the 25th February by the Commander-in-Chief.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

I am aware of that speech. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to answer the first part of my question. Apart from speeches, may I ask what progress is being made in this matter?

Mr. BENN

It was for the express purpose of dealing fully with and with knowledge of this question that the Commander-in-Chief made his speech, and I can really add nothing to what he said.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been in the stage of setting up committees for some years? When are we going to get progress?

Mr. BENN

If the hon. and gallant Member will read the speech, he will see that it has long passed the stage of setting up committees. It is now a practical subject.