§ 10. Mr. KELLYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what provision if any, is made by the Government of India for legal aid to Indian labourers employed by the planters in Malaya and Ceylon in cases of dispute between the labourer and his employer?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy Noble Friend has no information as to whether legal aid has ever been given in such cases at the expense of the Government of India; but it is the duty of the Agents of the Government of India in Ceylon and in British Malaya to protect and advise Indian immigrants so far as is possible and the Report of the Agent in British Malaya for 1927 mentioned that he had given all possible help in several civil and criminal cases in which Indians were concerned.
§ Mr. KELLYIn view of the disadvantages at which these people find they are placed in these matters, will the Noble Lord give some instructions to assist them by providing legal aid and paying their expenses?
§ Earl WINTERTONIf the hon. Member suggests that they should have their legal expenses paid, I should not be prepared to give any such undertaking, at any rate without consultation with my Noble Friend. The hon. Member does not seem to realise that they have at their disposal these agents who can advise them in all matters on which they want advice.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the Government of India take up the case of any native coolie who thinks that he is not getting justice, or are they limited to giving advice?
§ Earl WINTERTONI think the right hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put down a question, but the position of 1546 the agent is that he can make representations to the local government in regard to any immigrant Indian who has not been properly treated, or where there has been a breach of the law.