§ 5. Colonel DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the system of impressed labour for Government work, either civil or military, still continues; if so, will he state the number so impressed for the five years ending 31st December, 1924; and will he supply for the use of the House a copy of the rules and ordinances underlying that system?
§ Earl WINTERTONCopies of certain enactments of the Indian Legislatures providing for the requisitioning of labour for emergencies such as the repair of irrigation works, etc., have been placed in the Library. The system of requisitioning services to meet the necessities of officers on tour still exists, subject to careful regulation under executive, orders in the various Provinces. The statistics asked for in the question are not available. On 24th January, 1922, a Resolution was adopted by the Indian Legislative Assembly and accepted by the Government of India in favour of the examination of the question of the abolition of impressed labour, conveyance and provisions, wherever it obtains in India, either under local or Imperial Statute or under local custom. My Noble Friend has not yet been informed of the result of the Government of India's examination of the subject.