HC Deb 28 July 1908 vol 193 c1218
MR. HARWOOD (Bolton)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there have been disturbances amongst the factory workers of Bombay; and, if so, whether he has any information showing that these are largely attributable to the excessive hours of work; and whether the Government proposes to take any steps in the matter.

MR. BUCHANAN

The Secretary of State understands that the disturbances which have occurred in the factory quarter of Bombay are not exclusively connected with labour questions, although, as my hon. friend is aware, the subject of the hours of labour has recently been investigated by the Factory Commission, whose Report is now under consideration. He is informed that they are connected with political agitation, by which pressure has been exercised on the Hindu mill hands to come out on strike, and, in some cases, to attack Europeans. The Mahomedan factory workers have not joined in the rioting, and resent the enforced loss of wages.

SIR EDWARD SASSOON (Hythe)

Had the Factory Inspector to be afforded police protection?

MR. BUCHANAN

I have seen a statement to that effect.