§ 2. Mr. AMMONasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that when Mr. Findlay Shirras undertook, on behalf of the Government of Bombay, to inquire into the cost of living with a view to establishing an index figure for a standard of life for the mill workers of Bombay and, as a result of his investigations, it was shown that the average earnings of a family works out at 52 rupees per family, it was found that on this standard the wages of postmen in the employ of the Government are considerably lower; and can steps be taken to ensure that, at least, the income of a postman is not less than that of the standard laid down by Mr. Findlay Shirras for mill workers?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)Mr.Findlay Shirras examined the budgets of about 2,500 families of workers of various classes, and found that their average monthly earnings were rather more than Rs.52. He did not lay down this figure or any other as a standard. His report does not enable a comparison to be made between the income of a postman and a mill worker.
§ Mr. AMMONIs it not a fact that Mr. Findlay Shirras stated definitely that this was practically a minimum standard of life?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, Sir, I do not think so. I examined what he said, and, in view of the hon. Gentleman's question, I have looked into it. He did not say so; he merely mentioned the fact that there was this difference between the wages of the two classes of workmen.