848 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I cannot arrive at a decision until I know what is the magnitude of the problem. I have called for information.
Shrimati K. Radha Bai Subbarayan : As the Honourable Member himself admits that the problem is a very serious one, will Government prohibit women from working underground till they have finished considering the problem ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not know whether there are any number of women who are suckling babies underground.
Mr. Manu Subedar : Will the Honourable Member discontinue the work of women underground in those mines where the creches and other facilities mentioned by him do not exist.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am taking steps to see that every mine has got creches.
Mr. Manu Subedar : Will the Honourable Member discontinue the work of women until that time ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : If that was the only alternative, that proposition might be considered.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : Will Government consult the All-India Medical Council in regard to part (c) of this question in regard to the advisability or otherwise of allowing mothers with suckling babies to work underground ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not know whether they will accept the responsibility of advising Government in this matter.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : I am asking whether Government will be willing to ask them, whether they are prepared to give advise or not.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not think this is a problem where consultation is necessary.
Shrimati K. Radha Bai Subbarayan : May I ask if the International Labour Conference during its last session made certain suggestions with regard to this matter ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information at all at present with me.
Mrs. Renuka Ray : Is it a fact that these creches in most mines only function effectively when visitors are conducted round and when Government Inspectors go round there on their pre-arranged visits and