§ 5. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India if he will state what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the question of child labour in factories in India; and what instructions have been given to the official and nominated representatives of India at the International Labour Conference in Washington with regard to this matter?
§ Mr. MONTAGUHis Majesty's Government would like to see the minimum age for employment of children in Indian factories raised, but have accepted the view of the Government of India that local inquiry must first be made and Indian public opinion ascertained. This they have undertaken to carry out without delay. The official delegates have been instructed to regulate their attitude accordingly in discussing and voting on a uniform age limit. No instructions have been given to the nominated representatives.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYTo what age is it proposed to raise the time below which the employment of children will be illegal?
§ Mr. MONTAGUWe want to raise the age, but before deciding we wish to consult Indian opinion.
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe conditions in Indian factories are very different from those here. As to the age at which children are brought in to work, there is a sort of family arrangement in the factory and it is very difficult to diagnose exactly their hours of labour.
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not think so.