§ 27. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, what is the cause of the postponement of the operation of the Workmen's Compensation Act in the Federated Malay States; and if he can now say when the Act is to come into force?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe Federated Malay States Enactment has no doubt been delayed by the postponement Of a similar Bill in the Straits Settlements to await consideration of the report of the Labour Commission in India and any consequential revision of the Indian legislation on which the Malayan measures have been modelled. As I promised in answering a question by the hon. Member for Southwark Central (Mr. Day), my Noble Friend has made inquiry of the High Commissioner, whose reply is awaited, as to when the law will be brought into force.
§ Mr. WELLOCKWill my hon. Friend keep in mind that this matter has been held up three or four years, from one year to another, and that there is very great delay?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir. His Majesty's Government are very anxious that measures of this kind should be in operation in all Colonies and Dependencies, and we are doing our very best to expedite the operation or introduction of these Measures.