§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the formation of a volunteer police force by some private organisation to interfere in the case of a strike has been brought to his notice; whether the Home Office have been consulted at all as to its formation or regulations; and what steps His Majesty's Government intend to take if these volunteer police in uniforms attempt to interfere with pickets in the carrying out of their lawful functions?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Home Office was informed of the proposal to organise this body, but has not been consulted, and if consulted, would not have undertaken to supply advice, as to its formation and regulations. If the volunteer police should interfere with the pickets in the exercise of their lawful rights, the pickets will be entitled to protection as in the case of any other form of unlawful interference.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODWill pickets be allowed to have life preservers the same as the volunteer police force?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey will obey the ordinary law which governs the life of the ordinary private citizen.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the instructions sent to officers saying that life preservers will be supplied and that the ring-leaders of the pickets will be "made for"?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf there is any breach of the law the hon. Member will find the police authorities only too resolute to put a stop to any such breach.
§ Mr. O'GRADYMay I ask whether in view of the fact that these men are purposely armed with bludgeons to break people's heads, and therefore commit a breach of the peace, the Home Office cannot intervene?
§ Mr. McKENNAWild statements are very frequently made. It would be impossible in the case of any wild statement of this kind for the Home Office to intervene. I am informed that the Home Office has no responsibility as regards these so-called volunteer police.
§ Mr. MORRELLHas any necessity been shown for those police?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am not responsible for them.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONIs it not the duty of every citizen to assist the civil authority in case of riot?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODI will raise the whole question on the Adjournment.