HC Deb 08 February 1940 vol 357 cc408-9
79. Sir A. Knox

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that under the ban placed in India on emigration to Ceylon, a Tamil worker in a Ceylon tea garden who visits India for a week to see friends or sick relations is prohibited from returning to Ceylon; and whether he will make representations to procure the repeal of this regulation?

The Under-Secretary of State for India (Sir Hugh O'Neill)

The Government of India's prohibition of emigration to Ceylon is subject to exemptions for hard cases. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular cases in view I shall be glad to pass them on to the authorities in India. As regards the second part of the Question, there has been correspondence on the subject between the Government of India and the Government of Ceylon as well as between the Government of India and the Secretary of State. My Noble Friend would of course welcome any useful opportunity offering a prospect of contributing towards a satisfactory settlement of this dispute. Consultations in regard to the matter are still proceeding.

Sir A. Knox

Meanwhile does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is very hard that a labourer who wants to visit India should be prevented from doing so?

Sir H. O'Neill

If it is a hard case, it will receive special consideration.

Sir Nairne Stewart Sandeman

Has my right hon. Friend taken any steps to consult with the Secretary of State for the Colonies on this subject?

Sir H. O'Neill

Yes, Sir. We are in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Colonies.