HC Deb 04 December 1890 vol 349 c532
MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if Her Majesty's Government, during the month of October 1890, promised to supply the Gas Companies of London with labourers in the event of a strike, as was generally recommended at the time?

MR. MATTHEWS

In reply to an. application from the Gas Light and Coke Company, Her Majesty's Government pointed out that they could not interfere in any way in disputes between employers, and employed so long as both parties kept within the provisions of the law, and that the facts then before them did not require them to adopt any distinct course of action, but that they would think it right to take whatever action, might be necessary to avert or minimise the grave public danger which would be involved in allowing London to be plunged into complete darkness for an indefinite period.