§ 37. Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will give the latest figures showing the number of labour unions registered under the Indian Trade Union Act?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)Twenty-seven labour unions were registered up to 31st March, 1928, which is the latest date for which full figures are available.
§ Mr. ROBERT HUDSONAre there no later figures?
§ Earl WINTERTONI will endeavour to obtain the later figures. To a large extent, this is a matter which does not come within the cognisance of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for India. I am aware of the interest taken in this question of trade unions in India upon all sides of the House, and I have endeavoured to obtain later figures on this and kindred matters.
§ Earl WINTERTONThat I could not say without later figures. As I have already explained, that is not a matter with which officially I am greatly concerned, but I recognise the interest taken in this matter. It was only when the question was put down on the Order Paper that my attention was called to the fact that the figures are only up to the end of March last. I will endeavour to obtain later figures.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHave the labour trade unions in India as much liberty to operate as the labour trade unions in Great Britain?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWhen the Under-Secretary makes his inquiries as to the number of trade unions, will he ascertain whether the officials are native Indians or not?