§ 16. Mr. Hyndasked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to report to the governing body of the I.L.O. the nonobservance by the Government of India of the convention concerning the employment of women underground, having regard to the provisions of Article 411 of the Constitution of the I.L.O.
§ 29. Mr. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will now make representations to the Government of India to ensure the recognition of its obligations under the I.L.O. concerning the employment of women underground.
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)Six months after the ban on the employment of women underground had been lifted, the Government of India, in accordance with their undertaking, reviewed the position. In spite of all the other measures taken to increase coal production it remains much below requirements and the situation is serious. The Government of India were therefore forced reluctantly to the decision that it was not practicable to re-impose the ban immediately. But the question is to be examined again very shortly.
§ Mr. CoveDoes the Minister contend that there are not enough men in India to go underground, leaving the women completely outside? Is there a shortage of man-power in India?
§ Mr. AmeryThe Government of India have made every effort to recruit male labour from other parts of India.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillCould the right hon. Gentleman now answer the question I asked him about a year ago—whether pregnant women are prohibited from going underground?
§ Mr. AmeryAs a temporary measure, women are doing certain work underground in seams over six feet in height.
§ Mr. George GriffithsPregnant women?
§ Dr. SummerskillWill the Minister answer whether pregnant women are prohibited from going underground?
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is absolutely disgraceful.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIt is a crying shame.
§ Mr. StephenIs it the case that a similar practice is going to be put into operation in this country with regard to women working underground?
§ Mr. StephenOn a point of Order. I asked the Minister a question, and I notice that he is evidently becoming so deaf that he answers the hon. Member who put the previous question.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask whether any attempt has been made to induce more male workers to go into the mines by increasing their wages; and may I also ask how much extra coal has been produced by these women?
§ Mr. AmeryYes, Sir. Every effort has been made to secure male workers from other parts of India and from Government works in the neighbourhood, and I also understand that there has been an increase of wages. I gather that production since last year still shows a decline of about 4½ per cent.
§ Mr. SorensenThen the women have produced less than the men?