§ LORD HAILEYMy Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government the question standing in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they contemplate taking measures to secure for use in this country the important historical records now in the custody of the India Office.].
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA AND BURMA (THE EARL OF LISTOWEL)My Lords, I am glad to give the noble Lord an assurance that we intend to retain in this country the historical records which are now in the custody of the India Office. These records cover the whole period of the British connexion with India, and are the essential material of the history of the East India Company and of the British Government in their dealings with their representatives in India. Though mainly, of course, concerned with India, they are not exclusively confined to that country. In addition to their importance as documents relating to matters of public administration, they contain much material relating to the lives of British individuals and families associated with India. It is obvious that these records should be available in this country for reference in the future.
§ LORD HAILEYMy Lords, I am very much obliged to the noble Earl for his answer. I am sure it will be received with great relief by historical and other students who are interested in the use to be made of these records.