§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the conduct of the gas companies of Leeds, who, by refusing a small rise of wages and other matters to their men, have exposed the Town of Leeds to riots and serious danger; whether he is aware that riots have taken place, that the city is in darkness, and that life and property is in danger; and if he will take steps to bring such a serious state of affairs to a conclusion?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have no information as to the particular points in dispute between the Gas Committee and their employ°s, but I regret to say that I learn from the Mayor that the peace of the town has been very seriously disturbed. All possible steps have been taken to insure the preservation of the peace, and negotiations are now in progress with a view to the settlement of the dispute. A meeting of the council is to be held this afternoon, after which I hope to hear from the Mayor that matters have been satisfactorily arranged, and that the town has resumed its normal state of quietness.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMIn reference to the first paragraph of the question, has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the conduct of the gas companies in Leeds, on whom I charge all the consequences which have ensued?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have received no information as to the points in dispute.