§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information as to the number of railway workers at present on strike in India; the number of troops engaged in services connected with the dispute; how many families have been evicted from their homes by the companies: how many persons, strikers and others, have been injured owing to collisions with the police; and what steps are being taken to bring the dispute to an end?
§ Earl WINTERTON:The only existing strike of railway workers in India of which I am aware is on the North-Western State Railway. It originated at Rawalpindi, but has extended to Karachi and most of the important junctions, but I have no information as to the number of men on strike. A company of Pioneers and one of Sappers and Miners have been sent to the headquarters of the railway, 344W and in case of need, of which the Government of India will judge, will be used solely for the purpose of maintaining the essential services. No collisions with the police or evictions of families have been reported by the Government of India. The general secretary of the officially recognised union of the railway has stated in the Press that the strike was not justified, but I am not aware what measures have been taken to terminate it. My Noble Friend is awaiting further information from the Government of India.