702 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
From about June of this year, it became plain that output was not going to be sufficient to meet the increased demands for coal being made by essential consumers such as War Industries, railways and for military projects of the first importance. Supplies of coal for all consumers have accordingly been rationed. In order to meet these rationed demands, and such outside demands as it might feel necessary to meet, Government have to ensure that
25.65 million tons of coal per annum will be made available for consumption. This is a larger quantity than has ever been made available before; and measures to increase production have, therefore, become of the utmost urgency.
As regards the action that has been taken to improve the situation, the Honourable Member is referred to the answer given to part (c) of his starred question No. 15. It is too early yet to assess the results of these and other measures.
(d) No.
Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : Is it a fact that in order to increase the output of coal production, female labour has been employed underground in coal mines ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I said so.
Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : If it is so, will the Honourable Member say how long female labour will be employed in these mines ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Well, while the emergency lasts.
Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : Will the Honourable Member tell me what precautions have been taken to look after these female labour employed underground in the mines ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : We are contemplating measures and if my honourable friend will table a question some time in the next Session, I will give him some information.
Mr. K. C. Neogy: Has there been any suggestion from His Majesty’s Government for the purpose of stimulating export of coal?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information on the point.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : Next question.