HC Deb 22 May 1931 vol 252 c2389
13. Mr. HACKING

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will inform the House as to the Hours worked, the wages paid in English value, and the conditions of labour in the cotton mills of India?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)

As regards hours and wages I would refer the hon. Member to a report by the Bombay Labour Office on an inquiry into Wages and Hours of Labour in the Cotton Mill Industry, 1926, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. As regards the last part of the Question he will find information in the Factory Report of the Bombay Presidency for 1929, a copy of which I am sending him.

Mr. HACKING

Has there been no change since 1926?

Mr. BENN

The publication which I am putting at the disposal of the right hon. Gentleman contains the latest information in my possession.

Mr. McSHANE

In that report are the factories run by Indians, as distinct from those of English capitalists, differentiated?

Mr. BENN

I cannot say. My information on that point is inadequate.

Mr. HACKING

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to get rather more up-to-date information than 1926?

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