3. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India if he approves the decision taken by the Government of India in 1932 to revive, as soon as financial conditions have sufficiently improved, the Central Advisory Board of Education, as the most useful and economical means of enabling the Government of India and Provincial Governments to formulate a comprehensive policy of educational development?
§ Sir S. HOAREYes, certainly.
Duchess of ATHOLLHow does my right hon. Friend reconcile his approval of the decision of the Government of India to set up a central board to advise provincial education departments, with his advocacy of a federation under which education will be exclusively a provincial subject, and the Federal Government will therefore have no power whatever to advise or assist the Provincial Governments in this matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREThat has nothing whatever to do with the question. This 770 officer has been appointed for the purpose of co-ordinating provincial administration. There is no conflict between provincial autonomy and co-ordination at the centre.
Duchess of ATHOLLI am not sure that my right hon. Friend is referring to the right question. The question which I put had no reference to any appointment of an officer, but to the Central Advisory Board of Education, the purpose of which is to advise the provincial departments in respect of education.
§ Mr. MOLSONIs it not the case that education is at present a transferred subject, and, therefore, that the Government of India already has no power of control over local authorities?
§ Sir S. HOARECertainly that is the case, and the object of this organisation is, as I say, co-ordination and not administration.