§ 2. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for India the wages now 1428 being paid, in terms of English currency, to men and women employed in the cotton industry in Bombay, and the wages offered by the employers at the mills; and whether the strike is now in progress?
§ Sir S. HOAREAn inquiry has been set up by the Bombay Government, and is expected to report in June, into the effect of wage-cuts and other matters in connection with the Bombay textile industry. Until this report is available, no comprehensive statement is possible as to cotton mill wages in Bombay. These wages are not standardised and vary from mill to mill as well as between the numerous grades of employés within each mill. The Bombay strike is still in progress.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether the strike is in progress, because the men object to a considerable reduction in the low wages now ruling?
§ Sir S. HOAREI should not restrict myself to giving that as the only reason. There are a great many reasons that are accounted as being responsible for the strike, and I think that I had better refer the hon. Member to the report in the Press which came out last week. It was a very full report, and, I think, gave a number of causes.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs it not the case that the strike was caused because of a demand by the owners for a reduction in wages?
§ Sir S. HOAREI would prefer to add nothing to the answer I have just given. If the hon. Member wants any further information and I can procure it for him, I will do so.