HC Deb 13 July 1931 vol 255 c9
8. Mr. MARCUS

asked the Secretary of State for India the latest figures showing the total number of women employed underground in coal, salt, and other mines in India; and what steps are being taken with a view to the elimination of female employment underground?

Mr. BENN

The daily average number of women employed underground in 1929 was 24,089. In 1929 women were totally excluded from underground workings except in coal mines in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa and the Central Provinces and salt mines in the Punjab. The employment of women underground in these exempted mines was reduced forthwith to 29 per cent. of the total underground labour force in coal mines and 40 per cent. in salt mines, and is being further reduced by 3 per cent. and 4 per cent. respectively each year so that after 1st July, 1939, women will be entirely excluded from underground workings.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Is it not a fact that failure to exclude women up to date has not been caused by any desire to work women in the mines in Bengal, but by the difficulty of getting men to go underground unless women go as well?

Mr. BENN

I have no knowledge; doubtless the hon. Member is right.

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