§ 47. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the number of occasions on which armed mounted police or other military or semi-military forces have been used to disperse crowds of strikers in Bombay during the current textile dispute, and the numbers of killed and wounded on each occasion; and will he cause investigation to be made into the grounds upon which such action has been taken in each instance?
§ Earl WINTERTONOn the 23rd April, when 20 unarmed police were being stoned by a mob, armed police were called in with the result that one striker was killed and one seriously injured. So far as I am aware—though full reports have not yet been received—this is the only occasion on which it was necessary to use armed police. There have been no other casualties. My Noble Friend understands that the police were in a very difficult and dangerous position, and does not consider that any action on his part is called for.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALADo I understand that the Under-Secretaryy expects to receive a fuller report on this question later on?
§ Earl WINTERTONOh, yes; fuller reports than those which have been received will no doubt be forthcoming.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAShall I be able to get information concerning those reports if I put down another Question in about a fortnight?
§ Earl WINTERTONI could not give the exact time, but perhaps the hon. Member will put down another Question in due course.