HC Deb 28 November 1927 vol 211 cc5-6
7. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if any instructions were given to the Government of India delegates to the tenth International Labour Conference at Geneva with regard to sickness insurance; and the nature of the representations made on behalf of the Government of India?

Earl WINTERTON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No representations were made on behalf of the Government of India at the Conference.

Mr. LANSBURY

Why were no representations made, and is the Noble Lord aware that one of the Labour representatives has reported to the Indian Trade Union Congress that the Government representatives took absolutely no interest in this matter whatever?

Earl WINTERTON

If the trade union delegate reported that, he reported something which is not true. As regards the reason for the action of the Government of India, they consider that the adoption of any comprehensive scheme of sickness insurance must be regarded for the time being, at any rate, as impracticable in India. I can assure the hon. Member that the Government of India will give sympathetic consideration to this question, and, should it be possible to adopt such a scheme in future, they will not hesitate to recommend legislation to the appropriate authorities, which are the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. LANSBURY

Does not the Noble Lord consider representatives of labour, chosen by the Government to attend this Convention, are the best judges as to what the working class of India need in regard to social insurance?

Earl WINTERTON

No, Sir. Even Governments have their rights of representation, and the members of the Government have just as much right to express an opinion on this matter as the representatives of labour.

Mr. LANSBURY

That is, none. Is the Noble Lord aware of that?