§ 5.46 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT LONGMy Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, whether they have any information with regard to the strikes now taking place in Ceylon, and further, whether the production of tea in Ceylon and the export of it to this country is jeopardised.]
§ 5.47 p.m.
§ LORD WALKDENMy Lords, I am glad to be able to inform your Lordships that the latest report received from the Governor of Ceylon shows that the situation has now considerably eased. Most of the labourers who went on strike have resumed work, and the Ceylon Indian Congress, who called the strike, are now advising the labourers to accept reemployment. Details are not yet available of the extent of the damage or loss caused by the strikes in the tea estates, 192 and it is therefore not possible to give in estimate of the effect of the strikes on the production and export of tea. There will, of course, be a temporary shortage on the estates involved, but it is hoped that this will be made good in the course of the year.
§ VISCOUNT LONGMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. Has he any information as to how much tea has been destroyed due to the strike, because, as I understand it, something has happened to the tea out there due to the fact that it has not been properly looked after during the strike, and therefore we have already lost a great quantity?
§ LORD WALKDENI am very sorry I have no information which would enable me to answer that supplementary question.
§ VISCOUNT LONGYou will bear it in mind?
§ LORD WALKDENIt shall certainly be borne in mind.