§ MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the production per spindle in India is 122½ lbs. of yarn per annum as against 240 lbs. in China; and, if so, whether the Secretary of State will, in view of the importance of the cotton trade to India, bear this fact in mind when fresh restrictions upon labour in Indian mills are proposed, which must affect the competition of the Indian industry with its chief competitor.
(Answered by Mr. Buchanan.) I have seen in a report of the proceedings of a meeting of the Bombay Mill Owners' Association a statement to the effect mentioned by the hon. Member, but with the explanation that the higher production per spindle of Chinese mills is due to their working day and night without intermission. This system is not one which could usefully serve as a model for Indian legislation especially as regards the employment of women on night work.