§ 10. Mr. GILLasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the age at which children are allowed to commence work in the textile mills in India and the period of daily employment; whether they have to obtain certificates of fitness from a certifying surgeon before commencing work; what check there is upon them to prevent the Factory Act being evaded; whether such children have to attend public elemenary schools for the portion of the day when not at work; and 1927 whether any definite standard of education has to be reached before full-time employment is allowed?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE For INDIA (Mr. Charles Roberts)No child may be employed in a textile factory in British India for more than six hours in one day. He must not be under nine years of age, and must have obtained a certificate of age and fitness from a certifying surgeon. When at work he must have in his possession either this certificate or a token giving reference to it. The factories are regularly visited by an inspector, who is responsible for the proper administration of the Act in this and other respects. The reply to the hon. Member's last two questions is in the negative.