§ 3. Colonel DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the present position of affairs at the Bombay cotton mills; what is the present wage of the mill workers, men and women; whether the Bombay Millowners' Association have given notice to reduce wages, and, if so, by how much; and whether, in view of the possibility of industrial trouble, the Government proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe latest information available regarding wages is contained in a Report by the Director of the Bombay Labour Office published in 1923. This showed that the monthly average earnings in May, 1921, were in round figures Rs. 35 for men and Rs. 17 for women as against Rs. 18 and 10 respectively in May, 1914; the figures excluded overtime pay, annual bonus, remuneration in the form of food or clothing below market price and cheap housing where this obtains. I have seen a report in the Press that the millowners 940 have decided to reduce wages by 11½ per cent, from 1st September next. As regards the remainder of the question, there is at present nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Blackburn on 27th July.
§ Colonel DAYIs the Noble Lord aware that while the millowners have decided to reduce wages, the principal millowner there has decided to synchronise that with the building of a large private racecourse?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am aware of a great many facts in connection with the dispute, but the point is whether my Noble Friend can intervene, and how? It is a matter for the local authorities and the local governors.