§ 4. Mr. RICHARDSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of India has declined to ratify the International Labour Office convention in regard to mining hours; and will the Secretary of 810 State represent to the Indian Government the desirability of bringing Indian mining legislation in line with the Geneva Convention?
§ Mr. BUTLERThe Indian Legislature, before whom this Convention was laid, adopted in 1932 a resolution recommending the examination of the possibility of reducing the statutory hours in mines. As a result of this examination legislation was passed last year reducing the maximum hours for underground workers from 12 per day to nine per day. My Noble Friend is satisfied that the authorities in India are in the best position to judge of the time and pace of advance in this matter and of the readiness of Indian public opinion for it.
§ Mr. SORENSENWhat does the hon. Member mean when he says "the authorities in India"? Does he mean the people themselves, or the Indian Government?
§ Mr. BUTLERI mean the Governments in the various Provinces, as well as the Government of India.