§ Mr. FREEMANasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any figures showing the amount of unemployment in India; whether there is any national unemployment or health insurance scheme in operation; and whether any is contemplated?
§ Mr. BENNI am sending my honourable Friend a copy of a circular letter sent by the Government of India to the Provincial Governments in May, 1926, and a copy of questions and answers in the Indian Legislative Assembly on 25th September, 1929, which contain the latest available information on the subject of unemployment in India. There is no unemployment or health insurance scheme in operation. The Government of India have recently been in communication with the Provincial Governments as to the possibility of introducing a health insurance scheme, but, as far as I know, no early action in the matter is contemplated.