§ 12. Mr. LUNNasked how many strikes have occurred in India since the beginning of this year; in how many cases were troops called out; on how many occasions have there been conflicts between the strikers and the military in which the military fired on the crowd; and what has been the total number of casualties resulting among the Indian population?
§ Mr. FISHERInformation available at the India Office shows that since the beginning of the year, in addition to the widespread strikes in the Bombay Presidency, which affected the cotton mills and other industries, strikes occurred in the Jamalpur railway workshops, at four Calcutta jute mills, and at Cawnpur. No official information has yet been received regarding the more recent strike at Jamshedpur. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on the 25th February and the 3rd March to questions asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme and the hon. Member for Barnard Castle.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the economic conditions of the Indians would be very much better if they were not compelled to carry on their backs some of the tribe of Civil Servants?
§ 13. Mr. LUNNasked how many iron and steel workers are at present on strike in Jamshedpur district; and whether an attempt is being made to give the strikers' claims a fair hearing and to arbitrate the strike on British lines, in view of the regrettable occurrences at Sholapur and elsewhere?
§ Mr. FISHERI have received no report from the Government of India regarding the strike.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to obtain a report on this strike from the Government of India?