§ 12. Lieut.-Colonel MEYLERasked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many children are employed in underground work in mines in India, and what
§ such as the level of prices in the two countries may be misleading.
§ Sir C. YATEIs it realised that the cost of living in India has enormously increased?
§ Mr. RICHARDSAllowance has been made for that.
§ Following is the table promised:
§ are the minimum and average ages of such children?
§ Mr. RICHARDSThe number of children below 12 years of age employed in underground work in mines in British 1807 India in 1922—the last year for which figures are available—was 2,554. I cannot state the minimum and average ages of such children. The new Mines Act which comes into force on 1st July next, not only prohibits the employment of children under 13 in mines, but also their presence at all in mines below ground.
§ Mr. CECIL WILSONCan the hon. Gentleman say what is the minimum age now in force?
§ Mr. RICHARDSThe minimum age now is 12.