§ Mr. SCURRasked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he has yet received the Report of the officer sent by the Government of India to inquire into the conditions of Indian labour in Mauritius; and whether the Report will be published?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that the Report was published in India on 15th July. It will be possible to obtain copies in due course in this country through the High Commissioner for India.
§ Mr. SCURRasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement as to the action proposed to be taken by the Government of India in relation to the conditions of service and welfare of the indentured Indian labourers in Fiji?
§ Earl WINTERTONThere are no indentured Indian labourers in Fiji. A Committee appointed by the Government of India last year made representations to the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of the position of the Indian immigrant community in Fiji, and correspondence between His Majesty's Government and the Government of India on the subject is still proceeding.
§ Mr. SCURRasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government to publish the Report of the deputation to Fiji in 1922 on the question of indentured labour; and, if so, when the publication may be expected?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe Report referred to was not directly concerned with Indian indentured labour; this was abolished on 2nd January. 1920, and its revival is not contemplated. The question of the publication of the Report has not been finally decided.