HC Deb 29 July 1908 vol 193 cc1483-4
SIR H. COTTON (Nottingham, E.)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement to the House regarding the frequent and serious riots in Bombay, with special reference to the causes thereof and to the method adopted to restore quiet.

MR. BUCHANAN

I made a statement on this subject in reply to the hon. Member for Bolton yesterday. Since then the Secretary of State has received a report from the Governor of Bombay to the effect that the situation had improved and some mills were at work; he has issued a proclamation promising that any grievance properly presented will receive consideration and calling upon all citizens to help in restoring order.

SIR H. COTTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman get information as to the causes of those riots and the methods adopted to restore quiet? Were the causes political or purely economic?

MR. BUCHANAN

I answered a similar Question to that yesterday.

SIR H. COTTON

On how many occasions did the military fire on the mob, and how many people were killed?

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that Question.