HC Deb 24 July 1939 vol 350 c993
3. Mr. Day

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will state according to the latest information in his possession the number of trade unions, including federations, at present registered under the India Trade Union Act?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I have nothing to add to what I said to the hon. Member in reply to a similar question on 8th May last.

Mr. Day

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman said that he was going to inquire into the number of trade unions and federations, can he say whether that information has been received yet?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I think in my reply to the hon. Gentleman I expressed regret that I had not the figures for which he asked. I pointed out that the administration in regard to trade unions was a matter for the provincial governments, and that my Noble Friend would not normally get information of this kind. I also said that it was not customary for information in regard to these matters, which are under the provincial government, to be supplied. I am sorry if the hon. Member thought that I undertook to obtain the information.

Mr. Day

In reply to a supplementary question, did not the hon. and gallant Gentleman say he would have inquiries made?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I have given the hon. Member the gist of the reply both to his main question and to the supplementary question.