HC Deb 29 June 1944 vol 401 cc782-3
28. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can inform the House for what purpose 13,000 rupees per month is paid to the Indian Federation of Labour.

Mr. Amery

In March, 1942, the Government of India invited the Indian Federation of Labour and the All India Trades Union Congress to co-operate in measures to support the morale of labour in order to defeat potential enemy action and maintain production. The two bodies were invited to submit schemes, the cost of which Government would be prepared to meet. The Federation submitted a scheme which the Government of India approved and agreed to pay for and the monthly grant referred to is in fulfilment of this arrangement.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this has been condemned very severely in many quarters in India?

Mr. Amery

It was open to the Trades Union Congress in India to accept the scheme and to work it.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not that indicate that the Trades Union Congress of India has shown a greater sense of political integrity by refusing that financial subsidy?