asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Indian authorities have replied to his representations regarding the refusal of the Govern- ment of India to allow Indian labourers going on leave to Madras to return to Malaya.

The High Commission has been informed by the Indian Representative in Malaya that in certain special cases involving genuine hardship permission will be granted to return to Malaya.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the seriousness of this ban on the return of Indian labour to Malaya, and can he say why it is that the Government of India should adopt this very unto-operative attitude towards another member of the Commonwealth?

All I can say at the moment is that this question is receiving our further consideration.