Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether the mill strike in Bombay has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion; and whether he has any information to give the House regarding the riots by which it was accompanied?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThrough the intervention of the Governor, a settlement of the Bombay mill strike was come to on the 22nd January, and the men returned to work. Sir G. Lloyd has since reported that some mills have again suspended work. The presence of cholera is said to be making the workers restless and anxious to return to their villages. There were sporadic riots, accompanied by shop looting and intimidation, in the first few days of the strike. These were kept within bounds by tactful management of the police and show of military force. The Governor reports that though nearly 200,000 strikers were demonstrating in the streets for some days and attempting violence, law and order were preserved at the cost of only seven lives.