§ 45. Mr. ALBERYasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to give the House concerning strikes and industrial disturbances in India or trouble at the docks in Ceylon; and whether there is any reason to suppose that such disturbances are the outcome of foreign propaganda of a political nature?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have been asked to reply. The Government of Bengal have reported a serious strike, which began on the 9th instant, in the wagon shop of the Bengal-Nagpur Railway, at Khargpur. On the 11th, 800 workmen attempted to stop the working of the line, and it was necessary to clear the 1367 station. The Auxiliary Force was called out to reinforce the police. On the 14th a general strike was called, but this has not been effective, although at other places on the line local strikes occurred. No renewal of disturbances has been reported, and trains are running. I am not aware of any other strikes or disturbances in India, and, as regards Ceylon, the Secretary of State for the Colonies has no knowledge of the matter beyond what has appeared in the Press, and has no reason to suppose there has been any disorder in the Colony. I have not received any information in regard to the last part of the question