HC Deb 22 April 1913 vol 52 cc252-3W
Sir J. D. REES

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether Lord Sanderson's Commission recently reported that Indian indentured immigrants into British Colonies were well treated, well found, and well satisfied with the conditions under which they lived and laboured, while their labours were beneficial to the Colonies into which they immigrated; and, if so, for what reason and at what cost to the Indian taxpayer a new inquiry is being conducted by Messrs. M'Neill and Chimnian Lal?

Mr. MONTAGU

If the hon. Member will refer to the Report of the Committee he will find that it definitely recommended a system of periodical visits of Indian officers to the Colonies which import Indian labour. The Committee found that such inquiries and reports benefited the Colonies and emigrants. It is not yet possible to estimate the exact cost of the inquiry by Mr. M'Neill and Chimnian Lal, but the Secretary of State is satisfied that the expenditure involved by acting on the Sanderson Committee's recommendation in this matter will be fully justified.