§ 8. Mr. PALINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many fatal accidents occurred in coal mines in India from March, 1923, to March, 1924; how many of those killed were men and how many women; and what was the total amount of compensation paid?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe number of fatal accidents in 1923 was about 330 The figure for the precise period mentioned by the hon. Member is not available, nor is any information available regarding the second and third parts of the question.
§ 9. Mr. PALINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether parents employed underground in coal mines in India are permitted to take their 5 children down into the mine with them and to remain there until the parents cease work?
§ Earl WINTERTONSince the 1st July, 1924, it has been illegal to allow a child to be present in any part of a mine which is below ground.
§ 10. Mr. PALINGasked the Under Secretary of State for India what are the wages paid per day to men and women employed underground in the coal mines in India?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe wages vary in the different coalfields, and complete figures for India are not available. There is some information on page 212 of "Prices and Wages in India, 1923," and on page 3 of the Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines in India for 1923. A copy of each of these publications is being sent to the hon. Member.