HC Deb 23 June 1910 vol 18 c483
Mr. REES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any, and, if so, what report has been received from India regarding mortality among Tamil coolies in the Federated Malay States and Straits Settlements?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)

Correspondence has been received from India on the subject. It shows that on receipt of the Report on Indian Immigration into the Federated Malay States for 1908 the Government of Madras drew attention to the heavy mortality among indentured labourers, and suggested that specially unhealthy estates should be declared unfit for their residence.

Mr. REES

Was any action subsequently taken by the Secretary of State?

Mr. MONTAGU

The House will remember that just before the Recess I was able to inform it was being done. It had been stated of course that there is a large number of indentured labourers still there, but the latest information I have is that which I have given the hon. Member. I will make further inquiries.