HC Deb 28 March 1927 vol 204 cc833-4
2. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Federation of British Industries has communicated with the Indian Government, through the India Office, pointing out that, as the British Government has now decided to regulate, instead of prohibiting, the use of white lead in paint, the Bombay Government should cancel its prohibition instructions and follow the lead of the British Government; and, if so, what has been the result of such representations?

Earl WINTERTON

The instructions referred to were executive instructions to departmental officers. A letter from the Federation of British Industries suggesting action on the lines stated in the question has been communicated to the Government of India. In March, 1926, the Government of India drew the attention of local Governments to the proposals of the British Government. My Noble Friend has not been informed of the present attitude of the Government of Bombay, but will inquire. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the Draft Convention adopted at Geneva in 1921 has not been ratified by India.

Mr. DAVIES

Does the Noble Lord think it fair that the India Office should be utilised by any organisation in this country to sabotage a Convention to which the British Government in 1921 was a party?

Earl WINTERTON

I must take the greatest exception to the use of the term "sabotage." All that the India Office did was to send the letter of the Federation of British Industries, as a matter of ordinary courtesy, to the Government of India for their information. As regards the question of the Convention generally, I would point out that the difficulty the Government of India feel in putting it into operation is that it is impossible for any Government to control the hundreds of thousands of small painters who have been working in the past. What, therefore, the Government of India has suggested is that there should be a modification of the original Convention.

Mr. DAVIES

If the trade union movement in this country send to the Noble Lord representations contrary to what he has received from the Federation, will he use his good offices to convey that information to the Government of India?

Earl WINTERTON

Certainly; if the hon. Gentleman or anyone in the trade union movement, will send letters, they will be forwarded to the Government of India.