§ Mr. SNOWDENasked if factory inspectors have been, or are about to be, appointed under the new Indian Factory Act; and, if so, how many Indians have been appointed to such positions?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The new Factory Act will not come into force until 1st July, 1912. The question of strengthening the inspection staff in the different provinces is engaging the attention of the 375 Government of India, but no proposals have as yet been received by the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWill the suggestion made in the latter part of the question—the appointment of Indians to the position of factory inspectors—be taken into consideration?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt is not yet quite certain that any new inspectors will be necessary. The attention of the Government will be first directed to getting satisfactory inspection of factories. No differentiation will be made between the races.