on the Viceroy's Council generally means threatened with a possible diminution delay and not expedition in the treatment of income in India from opium. We of subjects, and while I have no authority are also faced in the present year with to speak on behalf of the India Office a balance which, although it is on the upon this matter my own opinion is right side, is so small that we cannot clearly against any such remedy. The by any means be assured that we shall Resolution before the House is that there find ourselves on the right side in the should be an inquiry into "the scope, future. Perhaps I may be allowed to character, and methods of education in point out what advantages have been India." It has been suggested in the derived by the people of India from course of the debate that it would practi- this increased grant for educational cally be a censure upon the Government purposes during the last ten years. of India if such an inquiry were instituted. The number of educational institutions I have had an opportunity of seeing has gone up from 152,000 to 160,000, Indian administration at the closest and the number of persons attending possible quarters during the last six from 4,300,000 to 5,250,000. Theremonths, and I am in a position to tell fore there has been a notable and subthe House with confidence that there stantial addition to the number of peris no subject, amongst all those which sons who desire to take advantage of occupy the attention of those entrusted the education provided, and who have with the government of India, which is so had facilities afforded them for bettering close to their hearts and so much occu- their position. And here let me say pies their constant attention as that how cordially I agree with everything of education. If I were to indulge in any that has fallen from hon. Members on personal criticism of that administration both sides of the House as to the advanI should say that their thoughts are too tages of education given in the vernamuch and not too little occupied with the cular. There has been a notable increase subject of education. Quite apart from in the number of those who have studied the effect which the acceptance of this the vernacular and received their educaMotion might have upon the Government tion through its aid. The numbers of India, I should like the House to have increased by 700,000 and the attenconsider what the Government has done dances of those in the primary schools during the last ten years. The hon. are equally satisfactory. I hope I Member for Hackney has pointed out have not dwelt upon these very material that the amount spent upon education facts at undue length. Let me now in India is comparatively small. I return for a moment to the inquiry agree. It is now about £2,500,000, but suggested in the Motion. Reference that is an increase in the last ten years has been made to the Educational Comof 80 per cent. upon the previous expendi- mission, under the chairmanship of Sir ture. Since the year 1895-6 that expendi- William Hunter, which was instituted ture has gone up from £1,400,000 in round during Lord Ripon's Viceroyalty. The figures to £2,500,000 in the year 1905-6. effects of that Commission are reviewed It is said that more money is wanted quinquennially; and the Report, which for education. But there is not a ser- is expected this year, will, I am sure, vice in India which does not utter the be very satisfactory reading to hon. same cry; so that the House has to Members. But there has been more choose whether it will increase the taxa- recent investigations. In 1902 there tion of India, or reduce the expenditure was an Indian Universities Commission, on certain objects, or starve the future the result of which was that the control requirements of India in respect of sani- of the Universities over the affiliated tation, hospitals and dispensaries, which colleges and high schools has been greatly are badly wanted in the country dis- increased and the standard of educatricts, and agriculture. All these are tion raised. In 1901-2 there was a the pressing needs of India, and their technical education committee, which provision means a substantial addition resulted first of all in the appointto expenditure. While on the one hand ment of certain special instructors of we have this demand for increased high attainments; and secondly in a expenditure, the Govern ment are special grant of 2 lakhs for technical

1

The

are

instruction. Some of the methods in primary schools as the Education Dethe technic 1 schools have been criticised, partment might desire at the present but I myself have found in one school moment, I would rather see greater rethe practice of weaving being taught sponsibility placed on the district boards on a commercial scale. Some of with the view of their educating themthe pupils themselves introduced a selves in the management of these schools, hand loom, and so simplified the machine so that eventually both the boards and as greatly to reduce the cost. There the schools might become more inhas also been the Simla Conference terested in education than they are now. of 1901, which was attended by all Reference has been made to female the directors of public instruction of education. Nobody who has ever been the provincial Governments, and in India, for however brief a period, or led to the entire reconstruction of who has in any way studied Indian educational methods and control in problems, can have omitted to notice the India. It led further to a great reduc- extraordinary advance which has been tion of examination and to a great made in the education of girls. increase of inspection-a change which religions, caste, and tradition, has been decidedly beneficial. Now, against it, and it is very slowly indeed what is the present system in India? that the gates are being opened to the The universities are controlled by their females of India to place them on the high own senates, and the higher schools and road of education. It is impossible to colleges are more or less largely con- force upon any class in India the education trolled by the university authorities. I of their female relatives until they themthink that in most cases-I am not sure selves are ready to send them to school. that I can say all-they receive con- Let me add this. There has been to a siderable grants from the Government. limited extent, from all that I can gather, Then there is the case of the middle a very great change in the opinion of schools. I am not altogether sure that certain classes in India as to female they are in a satisfactory state. They education. I recollect very well on one are largely under the control of the occasion I saw performed in public municipal authorities, and the inquiries certain dances by female children of which I and my colleagues have had to Brahmins-an exhibition which, I am conduct in India on another subject, told, twenty years ago would have been and which it was impossible in many absolutely impossible. That is a mark cases not to include under the head of of the progress, almost the revolution, education, have led me clearly to the which has taken place on that subject conclusion that an education tax is not in the course of the last quarter of a regarded by them with any satisfaction century. I have dwelt on education as at all. That is natural. We are not applied to the general masses of the fond of taxes in our own country. An population of India. I have not meneducation tax does not bring with it an tioned what is a very important factor immediate return, and while we regret in Indian social life, namely, that there the apathy with which education is re- has been a distinct attempt to give ingarded by the municipalities I think that struction to the ruling classes-the chiefs. after all that is a passing condition of and the aristocracy. There are five sentiment, and no doubt the time will colleges all doing excellent work in the come when in the municipalities in ques- training of chiefs to take a serious part tion they will perceive the advantage of in the administration of their States, rating themselves for the benefit of thei and everyone who has visited and seen own children. I come now to the case these colleges cannot help testifying, of the primary schools. These are under I think, to the efficiency of the educational the control mostly of local boards, assisted work they are doing. As to the people no doubt by Government grants. Here administering the great system of edumy own experience leads me to think cation, there is the Indian educational that there is far too much interference service recruited in this country, the with the educational authorities in the provincial service recruited in Indiaprimary schools, and, although the these two forming what is called the district boards may not conduct the superior service and there is the 3 D

VOL. CLXXXVII. [FOURTH SERIES.]

is not because there is not the fullest sympathy with the object in view and with the opinions expressed; it is rather because the work of education in India has progressed and is steadily being pushed forward, and any inquiry of the sort suggested would not really expedite it.

EARL PERCY (Kensington, S.) expressed his concurrence with the view of the hon. Gentleman, and hoped his transfer to another sphere of political life would not prevent his taking part in these debates. One inquiry had not been referred to, that made by the central government of local governments on the subject of free education. He hoped that the replies of the local governments would be placed before the House.

MR. LAIDLAW said he had no wish to

subordinate service recruited entirely in hitherto done. If, on behalf of the SecreIndia. I do not know that all these tary of State, I am unable to accept the three classes are in an entirely satis- | Resolution it must be understood that it factory condition. There are improvements which might possibly be made in the status and condition of entry into these classes, and these alterations and improvements are occupying the careful and earnest attention of the Secretary of State. We have heard a great deal as to the feeling here on education in India. We are entitled to ask what is the state of feeling in India on education. One class, not inconsiderable as regards numbers and influence, would like to see examinations lessen and graduates increase. On the other hand, an increasing class in India, as I heard from the VicePrincipal of Calcutta University, want to see education "screwed up," so to speak -concentrated in a smaller number of schools of greater efficiency, in which the standard of instruction is very high and the teachers most capable. I entirely sympathise with that school of thought, and I should like the university degree to connote a high standard of education. I think it is almost impossible to deny that in many places the municipal authorities are apathetic as regards the matter of education in relation to primary schools. I hope that there is an increasing interest among the district authorities in that country. I am quite certain as to the kind of encouragement which ought to be given in the primary schools. It is only in what are called the backward districts that there is any freedom or latitude at all given to the local authorities as to the kind of education given in the schools. I should like to see that extended so that the education might be adapted to the requirements of the district, and I should like to see very much greater advantage taken of the schools which are maintained by the priestly class in Burmah and Scinde. I do not think enough advantage has been taken of these two mediums, and more sympathetic administration might conduce to greater use of them. I am glad

to think that the authorities in these two provinces are well aware of the shortcomings of the past, and that it is their intention to make greater use of these

press his Motion. The debate had been useful and interesting, and had served its purpose in eliciting the statement just made. He hoped that any expressions he might have used would not be construed into an attack on the Indian Government, the Secretary of State, or any of the officials connected with the Education Department.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

LICENSING BILL.

Postponed Proceeding on Amendment to Question [28th April], "That the Bill be now read a second time," resumed.

words proposed to be left out stand part Question again proposed, "That the of the Question."

And, it being after Eleven of the clock, and objection being taken to further Proceeding, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed to-morrow.

Adjourned at two minutes after

at the commencement of a Speech indicates revision by the Member. An Asterisk (*)

COAL MINES (EIGHT HOURS) (No. 2)
BILL.

Petitions in favour: From Aldwarke (two); Colley Gate; Diamond Colliery;

The House met at a quarter before Gilwen Colliery; Halesowen;

Barton: Batley; Battersby; Battersby; Battle- field (two); Petersham; Piltey; Plumbridge Road; Beccles; Bedale; Belfast stead (two); Pontardulais (two); (three); Belgrave; Birch Grove; Birken- Pontardulaw; Portmadoc; Portsmouth shaw; Birmingham (three); Birstall; (fourteen); Portsoy; Preston next WingBishop's Watham; Blaenconin; Bolton ham; Pwlheli; Radstock (two); Redcar; (three); Boncath; Boness (three); Bonny- Reddish; Reeth; Rhos; Richmond bridge; Boosbeck; Boothtown; Bowden; (Surrey) (five); Ridgmont; Ripponden; Bradford (Yorks.) (two); Bridgwater; Rochdale (three); Rotherham (two); Brigham; Bristol; Brotton; Broughton; Rothesay; Ruabon; Sacriston; Saffron Browney Colliery; Budleigh Salterton Walden; Saltburn by Sea; Sandford; (two); Burnley (twenty-one); Camber- Savoch; St. Helens; St. Margarets; well: Carbrook; Cardigan; Castle Shankhouse; Sheffield (two); Sherston Douglas; Chelsea; Cheltenham (three); Magna; Sidmouth (two); Skinningrove; Cheriton; Chippenham ; Chopwell; Clyde- South Bank; Southsea (seven); South bank; Colyton (two); Comrie; Corsham; Shield; Southwick on Wear; SpennyCove; Cradley ; Cradley; Cricklade; Croft; moor (two); Star Clydey; Stilton Crondale; Croydon; Darlaston; Darling- Stockton on Tees (five); Stodday; ton (two); Deal; Dearham; Didcot; Stokesley (three); Straitiplian; StrathDidsbury; Dublin; Dudley; Dulverton tay; Streatham; Stretford (two); (two); Dumfries; Dundee (twelve); Stronsay; Sunderland (three); Surbiton; Dunvant; East Howle; East Sheen (two); Temple Cowley; Thirsk; Thornaby; Edinburgh; Eldon; Eston; Exmouth; Thornaby on Tees; Tiptree; Tollington Faceby; Fenton (two); Ferryhill (two); Park (two); Tottenham (three); Trafford Fortingall; Freshwater (two); Fullbourne; Park; Tranent; Tudhoe; Tunbridge Gosport; Govan; Gowerton; Glasgow Wells (two); Warrington (two); Water(seven); Great Ayton (two); Great house; Waterlooville; Westminster Yarmouth (three); Grosmont; Gwynfe; (two); Weston-super-Mare (two); WilHaddington; Halifax (three); Har- lington (two); Wister Pardovan; ray (two); Harrington; Harrist Witham; Withington; Witton Gilbert; field; Haverton Hill; Hawick Wrington; Ystalyfera; and Ystradfellte; to lie upon the Table.

LICENSING BILL AND CHILDREN BILL. Petition from Portsmouth, in favour to lie upon the Table.

(two); Hayling Island; Heathwaite; Heckmondwike; Heeley; Henderwell; Herne Bay; Heywood (six); High Sittington; Hillside; Holywell; Honiton ; Howden le Wear; Huddersfield; Hunslet; Hurworth (two); Hutton Rudby; Irvine; Islington; Kegworth (three); Keyston; Kilchattan Bay; Kilmersdon; LIQUOR TRAFFIC (LOCAL OPTION) Kingston on Thames;

Kirkintilloch

;

;

;

(SCOTLAND) BILL.

LIQUOR TRAFFIC (LOCAL OPTION) (SCOTLAND) BILL.

Petitions in favour: From Auchen

Edinburgh; Glasgow (two); Mulindry; and Pencaitland; to lie upon the Table.

Lacock (two); Lanark; Lancaster Petitions against: From Aberdeen ; Lansdowne; Latchford; Latimer Road Border Counties Licensed Trade Defence Leeds (six); Leicester (three); Leigh Association; Falkirk; and Linlithgow(four); Lincoln; Lingdale; Llandilo shire; to lie upon the Table. (three); Llanelly (two); Llanguicke ; Llangyfilach; Llansamlet (five); Loan end; Loftus; Longton; Longwood; Lowestoft (two); Lowton; Lossiemouth; Luddenden ; Ludworth; Maidstone; cairn; Bo'ness (two); Carluke; Crieff; Malmesbury (five); Manor Park; Marske; Melsonby; Metal Bridge; Middlesbrough (four); Middleton Tyas; Monkwearmouth; Montgomery; Moylgrove; Mydrinn; Nant-y-Binglog; New Brancegate; Newcastle on Tyne; Newport (Pembroke) (two); Northampton (two); North Petherton; North Shields; Norton; Norwich (six); Nottingham; Nunthorpe; Old Cumnock; Ormesby (two); Ottery St. Mary (two); Pant Leg; Pelton (two); Pembrokeshire; Peterborough; Peters

lie

MERCHANDISE MARKS BILL.

Petition for Birmingham, in favour; to the Table.

upon

PUBLIC OFFICES SITES (EXTENSION)

BILL.

Petition from Messieurs Nicholson, Patterson, and Freeland, against, praying