§ 14. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state how many coal mines in India are under the direct control of the Government or Government-controlled railways; what is the total number of men, woman, and children under 14 years employed in these mines; what is the average daily wage paid to man, woman, and child, respectively; and what was the average cost of coal at the pit-head in 1922 at these mines?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe number of collieries worked by either railway companies or the State at the end of 1921–2 was 6, and the average number of persons employed daily during that year was, 21,400. Information as to the average daily wage and cost of coal at pithead is not available here, but will be obtained from the Government of India.
§ 15. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of registered coal companies working mines in Bengal, Central India, and Southern India; the total registered share capital of these companies; the total amount of reserve funds; the total amount of declared dividends during the five years 1918 to 1922, inclusive; the number of the above companies that are under European control and directorate; and the number under native Indian directorate?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe number of registered coal companies working mines in British India at the end of March, 1921, was 252, with a paid-up capital of £5,681,000 (taking the rupee at 1s. 4d.). The official returns of joint stock companies do not contain information on the other points referred to by the hon. Member.