§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Secretary of State for India, If his attention has been called to the fact that the average mortality of the indentured Coolies in the Assam Tea Gardens has been ten per cent. per annum; whether he is aware that, not with standing this excessive mortality, the period of service for indentured Coolies in the Assam Tea Gardens has been extended from three to five years; and, whether he will grant a Return of the Servants of the Crown in the Supreme Government of India and in the Government of Bengal 216 possessing pecuniary interests in Assam Tea Companies and holding shares in Assam Tea Gardens?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, it is the case that, according to the last annual Report—that for 1879—on Coolie Immigration in Assam, the mortality rate amongst the indentured Coolies exceeded in one district of the tea gardens 8 per cent, and in another 9 per cent for that year. Indeed, on two gardens it was considerably higher still during the second half of the same year. The average death-rate of the districts, however, was not 10 per cent, but 5.68 per cent. which, although a considerable improvement over previous years, is a high rate, and it was pointed out by the Secretary of State to the Government of India that, with a view to lessen the evil, efforts should be made in the direction of improving the condition of newly-imported Coolies; and, further, that a garden in which a high death-rate should be found to be due to neglect on the part of the planter should be closed to Coolies immigrating under the Bengal Act of 1873. It is proposed, among other things, by a Bill now before the Bengal Council, to extend the maximum of contract to five years, this being one of the recommendations made by a Commission which has recently reported on the Bengal Emigration Act of 1873. As regards the Return asked for respecting the interest of servants of the Crown possessing pecuniary interests in Assam Tea Companies, and holding shares in Assam Tea Gardens, there is no information in the India Office respecting it. I will, however, communicate with the Government of India as to whether they will furnish a Return on the subject. I may say that there is nothing contrary to the rules laid down by the Secretary of State in 1861 and 1862, in the possession of shares by Civil Servants in such enterprizes, provided they take no part in the management of the concern, and are not employed in the districts where the operations are carried on.