§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, what number of Indian indentured labourers are employed in the Federated Malay States, about what proportion are employed in rubber planting, and what is the death rate among these indentured labourers?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (the Master of Elibank)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The average number of indentured Indians employed in 1908 the 336 last year for which figures are available, was 6,415. I have not figures to show what proportion of these are employed in rubber planting or the death rate among those labourers. Inquiry on the specific point shall be made. I am desired lay my Noble Friend, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to say that this subject of indentured labour in the Federated Malay States is already engaging his attention, and, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the whole matter is being considered by a Departmental Committee.