§ 2. Mr. MARDY JONESasked the Secretary of State for India the total number of men, women and children, respectively, employed during 1928 and 1929 in each of the three principal coalfields of India, namely, Jhairia, Raniganj and Bokaro, giving the figures of those employed above and below ground separately; what is the working time per shift; and what are the average wages paid per week?
§ Mr. BENNMy hon. Friend will find on page 6 and on pages 48 and 49 of the annual report of the Chief Inspector of Mines in India, which is in the Library of the House, the statistical replies to his question. As to shifts, the amended Indian Mines Act, which comes into force on the 7th April next, provides for a system of shifts in mines where working is carried on for more than 12 hours per diem.
§ Mr. BENNAll the information available is in that Report, but, if there is any further information which the hon. Member desires, and which is not in the Report, I shall be glad to make special inquiries.
§ 4. Mr. MARDY JONESasked the Secretary of State for India the total number of men, women, and children employed in and about the coal mines of Jhairia, Raniganj, and Bokaro in 1928 and 1929, respectively, who were disabled for a shorter or longer period arising out of injured or poisoned feet and legs traceable to having to work bare-footed and bare-legged in the mine workings?
§ Mr. BENNMy only source of information is the annual report of the chief inspector of mines in India, which gives no particulars as to the question raised by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire from the chief inspector of mines in India as to the serious nature of these cases?
§ Mr. BENNYes, certainly. If the hon. Member will give me sufficient material upon which to work I will make further inquiries.