§ MR. GILL (Bolton)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken to secure a reduction in the hours of labour of women and young persons in the textile mills in India; and whether he has arranged with the Government of India to invite a British factory inspector to investigate and report on the actual condition of the workers in the mills situated in the Bombay Presidency, as suggested in his reply to a deputation which waited upon him on March 14th last.
{Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) The subject of the conditions of labour in Indian mills is at present under inquiry by the local governments. I think it advisable to await the completion of these inquiries, but I do not expect to alter my opinion as to the suggestion referred to.