§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If anything can be done to avert the eviction of 800 miners by the Broxburne Shale Oil Company, on Saturday next, as stated in the Scotch newspapers?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) () Birmingham, E.All I know of this matter is derived from a very lengthy telegram put into my hands as I entered the House this afternoon. It appears from it that only 121 summonses—not 800—were taken out. Of these, five were withdrawn; in 33 instances the parties removed after services of the summonses, and before the Court day; 73 were ordered to be removed on the 1st September; and, in consequence of medical certificates, five were allowed to remain until the 8th September, and five until the 24th September. These are all the facts I have got about the matter. It appears that these evictions are in consequence of a strike or trade dispute, in which, I am afraid, the Government cannot usefully or profitably interfere.