HC Deb 21 November 1927 vol 210 cc1393-4
38. Mr. SCURR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints of the Indian Seamen's Union, Bombay, in the matter of recruitment of seamen through shipping brokers; and whether, in view of the abuses of that system of recruitment, legislation can be introduced by the Government of India to prevent the recurrence of such abuses in future?

Earl WINTERTON

The Government of India have for some years had under consideration the question of altering the method of recruitment of seamen at Calcutta and Bombay. They decided to deal with the problem first in Calcutta, and in 1925 placed Captain Darvell in charge of the shipping offices at that port in order to work out a scheme of recruitment. Captain Darvell submitted his scheme some months ago, and my Noble Friend will ask the Government of India what action they propose to take.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Will the legislation in view be a transferred subject or a reserved subject?

Earl WINTERTON

I do not quite understand my hon. Friend's question. It depends on the form which the legislation takes. Perhaps he will await the legislation before he asks a question on the matter.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the Noble Lord teil me whether the matter is one for this Parliament or the Indian Assembly?

Earl WINTERTON

Presumably it will be for the Indian Assembly. But that was not the hon. Gentleman's question, which was whether it was a transferred or a reserved subject.

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