§ 1. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the present policy of certain provincial Governments in India in cheapening the price of country liquor in the coal area and in increasing the number of grog shops, contrary to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Labour, is having a bad effect on the moral, physical, and economic conditions of the mine workers; and whether he will consider taking steps to secure the abolition of the putstill system and a reduction in the number of grog shops?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)As the hon. Member is aware, the control of the internal liquor traffic rests with the provincial Governments. The action taken by those Governments on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Labour up to the end of 1933 is described in the progress reports that have been placed in the Library. I will ask the Government of India to include in the 1934 report more detailed information on the action taken on the recommendations on the matters referred to in the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very serious view taken by Indian Labour, both workers and employers, in regard to the considerable increase in the consumption of intoxicating liquor; and has he been informed of the resolution passed by the Mine Workers Association at Gwalior protesting against the cheapening of the price?
§ Sir S. HOAREThis is a very important question. We all realise that. It is also a complicated question, as, I think, the hon. Member will see when I give him further information on the subject. The effect of high prices has been to encourage illicit distilling, and, if there is a lowering of prices, it is with the object of discouraging illicit distilling.
§ Mr. GRENFELLHas not the lowering of prices led to an enormous increase in consumption?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir. That is not the case.