§ 10. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India the financial surplus on the Indian State railways during the last official year; whether, in view of the low pay of the staff and the small allowances granted to meet increased cost of living, any of that surplus is to be used for the purpose of granting an increase in pay; and whether any recent consultation on this matter has taken place with the railwaymen's trade union?
§ Mr. AmeryThe railway surplus for 1941–42 was expected to be Rs. 26.2 crores (£19,650,000). This figure was 1327 arrived at after charging a sum of nearly Rs. 1.5 crores (£1,100,000) for payment of cost-of-living bonuses to the lower-paid staff, which was fixed after discussion, and in agreement, with the representatives of organised labour. The surplus earned by the railways, except so far as required to be placed to reserve, goes to the relief of the Indian taxpayer, who has previously had to bear the burden of the unprofitable years of depression.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not a fact that the organised workers on the Indian State railways are dissatisfied, and in the circumstances does not the right hon. Gentleman think it proper that of the £19,000,000 some portion should be allocated for a reasonable increase in wages?
§ Mr. AmeryAs I explained, the increases were granted after discussion with and in agreement with representatives of railway labour.
§ Mr. SorensenAre not the wages still miserably low in many cases, and do they not require some augmentation?