HC Deb 08 February 1926 vol 191 cc598-9
5. Mr. SCURR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the unhealthy atmospheric conditions prevalent in the cotton mills of Bombay; and what action the Government of India proposes to take to remedy this defect?

Earl WINTERTON

The Section of the Factory Report of the Bombay Presidency for 1924 dealing with the subject, a copy of which will be sent to the hon. Member, records some advance in dealing with the problem of atmospheric conditions. The Government of India instituted an inquiry by an expert investigator in 1921; his report was presented in 1923 and has been published. A copy can be sent to the hon. Member if he wishes. The Gov-eminent of India subsequently consulted local governments on a number of suggestions for improving the conditions.

7. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of Bombay has recently been preparing reports on the conditions of the working classes in local industries; whether he will make this information available to the House: and whether he will consider the desirability of asking other States to compile similar information?

Earl WINTERTON

Reports have been prepared by the Bombay Labour Office on wages and hours of labour in the cotton mill industry, on agricultural wages and on working class budgets, and there are articles in the "Bombay Labour Gazette" for July and December last on an inquiry into wages paid to municipal employés, etc., and on Mofussil labour and wages respectively. Copies of these reports and papers will be placed in the Library. The suggestion contained in the last part of the question as regards other provinces will be communicated to the Government of India, but the hon. Member will understand that the matter is one primarily for the Provincial Governments.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Can the Noble Lord say whether the inquiry will cover the question of the productive efficiency of the workpeople, as well as the question of wages?

Earl WINTERTON

What I said was that these reports had been prepared by the Bombay Labour Office, and that they are now available. This question is one for the Bombay Government.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Do the reports cover productive efficiency

Earl WINTERTON

I should have to refer to the reports to answer that question. They are well worth my hon. Friend's attention.