§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the causes which led to the strike and boycott which recently took place in Sierra Leone; whether the trouble is now over and ordinary law restored; what was the reason which led to the suspension of ordinary law and the placing of the Colony under martial law; whether this followed disturbances; and, if so, have any arrests been made or destruction of property or violence taken place?
§ Mr. AMERYThe strike in question is on the part of certain sections of the native staff of the Sierra Leone Government Railway. As to its cause, it appears that in November last a newly constituted railway workers' union petitioned the general manager for more pensionable appointments and the adoption of a system of regular annual increments of wages for the artisans. The general manager's reply, dated 22nd December, was unfavourable, but was conciliatory in tone, and promised further consideration of the conditions of service generally. Without any notice the artisans, joined by certain other sections of the railway staff, struck work on the 14th of January. As it would be impracticable to keep the railway workshops open for the few men ready to work, they have been closed for the time being. According to the latest information received from the Governor, the strike is still continuing. There has been no proclamation of martial law or suspension of the ordinary law, but the troops have been called out in aid of the civil power and are being used to guard the line and preserve order. It appears from the Governor's Report that this step was taken after various acts of sabotage had been committed outside Freetown, though in the city itself there has been no disorder. I have no information that any arrests have been made.