§ 1. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the system of deductions from wages and fines for the enforcement of discipline in mills and factories in India is liable to grave abuse, and that the employe has no effective remedy if he is fined unjustly or excessively; whether he will state in general terms the character of the Reports which have 2 been received by the Government; and whether he will indicate, if possible, what action it is proposed to take?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)In a letter of 25th June, 1926, the Government of India asked local Governments for information as to the extent, if any, to which the system is in practice abused, and consulted them as to the desirability of measures to counter any such abuses and the form which any such measures should take. They were asked to reply by 1st March, 1927. My Noble Friend has not yet received information as to the nature of the replies or as to any action that may be proposed.
§ Earl WINTERTONI am afraid it probably would be too soon. It was necessary for the Government of India to consult a number of authorities. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question just after the Easter Recess. I hope then to be in a position to give him an answer.