§ 1. Mr. HADEN GUESTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will recommend that the terms of reference of the recently appointed. Tariff Board which is to investigate the cotton textile industry should be extended to include an investigation into the hours and condi- 862 tions of labour, with a view to special consideration of the protection of these interests?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)The specific terms of reference of a Tariff Board appointed by the Government of India is a matter which my Noble Friend prefers to leave to the discretion of the appointing authority.
Mr. GUESTIs it not possible to suggest the advisability of having the hours of labour and conditions included in the inquiry, as well as the purely capitalist side?
§ Earl WINTERTONI do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by the purely capitalist side. As my answer shows, my Noble Friend does not contemplate making suggestions to the Government of India as to the method of procedure before the Committee. No doubt it will be possible for those interested in the industry, either workers or employers, to give evidence before the Committee if they should wish to do so.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWill the words "cotton industry" cover any suggestions as to the way the industry is financed?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat, as the hon. Member is aware, rests upon the interpretation by the chairman of the terms of reference to a committee appointed either in this country or elsewhere.