§ THE EARL OF LICHFIELDasked the Government, If it be true that a large Number of Staffordshire Colliers have been forced to leave their Employment in the Coal-pits of Lancashire, in consequence of the Magistrates and Police Authorities of that county having declared their Inability to protect them from Violence and personal Injury?
§ THE EARL OF MALMESBURYsaid, he was sorry to have to state, in reply to his noble Friend, that it was true the force for protecting the persons to whom he alluded had been withdrawn, and that they had therefore been obliged to return to Staffordshire. The first intimation received by his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary of what had occurred came from a deputation of coal-owners, who called upon him yesterday morning and stated the facts. Immediate inquiry was made by the Home Office, and a Report was sent to Mr. Hardy by the Chief Constable of the place—to the effect that he had not sufficient force to maintain — what he had for some time maintained — the protection of those Staffordshire colliers; that the riotous conduct of the pitmen had extended, and that, therefore, his force not being sufficient, he had been obliged to withdraw his men from that part of Lancashire. The same statement was made by the Mayor; whereupon Mr. Hardy telegraphed, both to the Chief Constable and the Mayor, that he expected them to obtain more assistance and to maintain the law, as it was their duty to do. Mr. Hardy further applied to the Horse Guards for an increased military force; and he understood a troop of cavalry and about 300 infantry were by this time ready to maintain peace and order on the spot. Beyond that, the Government had no information. Mr. Hardy, he might add, also communicated with the Clerk of the Peace, stating that he expected the Magistrates to use their utmost exertions to do their duty with respect to these riots.
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- PUBLIC PETITIONS. 81 words