§ 4. Mr. DUNNICOasked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many women are employed in the coal mines in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, and the Central Provinces, and in the salt mines of the Punjab; and wheher any proposals are being considered for the gradual withdrawal of these women?
§ Earl WINTERTONAs the answer to the first part of the question is in tabular form, it will, with the hon. Member's permission, be circulated in the Official Report. Proposals are under consideration for the gradual withdrawal of women employed below ground in the mines referred to.
§ Following is the table:
| — | Average number of adult females employed daily | ||
| Below ground.* | A Dove ground.† | Total. | |
| Coal Mines. | |||
| Bengal | 8,010 | 4,961 | 12,971 |
| Bihar and Orissa | 18,910 | 12,828 | 31,738 |
| Central Provinces | 1,472 | 827 | 2,299 |
| Salt Mines. | |||
| Punjab | 223 | — | 223 |
| * Figures in this column relate to the year 1926. | |||
| †Figures in this column relate to the year 1925, this being the latest available. |