HC Deb 02 December 1943 vol 395 c516
61. Mr. Hannah

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information about the archaeological work of the Indian Government, especially the proportion of Indians and Europeans employed?

Mr. Amery

Archaeological work in India, as in other countries, has of necessity suffered somewhat as a result of war conditions, but the Government of India are considering the question of strengthening the Department. On 1st January, 1942, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the superior staff of the Archaeological Department was one European and 14 Indians.

Mr. Hannah

Is my right hon. Friend convinced that we are doing the utmost we possibly can to show Indians our deep sympathy with their glorious past?

Mr. Amery

Yes, Sir, I hope so. [Laughter.]

Mr. Hannah

It is not a joke.

Mr. Amery

No. This is one of the matters which is naturally entrusted to the Government of India themselves, a Government in which, I might add, Indian members are in the large majority.

Mr. Hannah

Thank you.