§ 5. Mr. DUNNICOasked the Under- Secretary of State for India whether he has now received a full Report of the disturbances at Khargpur, when 10 of the railwaymen on strike received bayonet wounds?
§ Earl WINTERTONA full Report on the disturbances at Khargpur has been received. Only two rounds of buckshot, not ball cartridge, were fired by the armed police, after full warning and under complete control, in circumstances of some danger. The action taken is considered by the local Government to have been fully justified. Bayonets were used on the night of llth-12th February to clear the station platform and permanent way of strikers, some of whom were throwing stones and obstructing railway traffic to the danger of their own lives. Of the 16 injuries treated in hospital, all except four were minor, and only seven appear to have been due to bayonet, wounds.
§ Mr. W. THORNECan the Noble Lord tell the House if there is any wages and hours board in operation to which the employés can submit their case, in the event of any quarrel arising between them and the railway company?
§ Earl WINTERTONI do not know that that arises out of the question, which asks for a full Report of the disturbance. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.