BRIDGETON MEETING ON THE COMPENSATION CLAUSES.

HC Deb 05 June 1890 vol 345 cc59-60

SIR G. TREVELYAN

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is now satisfied that the gathering in the Mechanics' Hall at Bridgeton, to which he referred in the House before Whitsuntide, was a meeting of members of the liquor trade, and did not possess the character of what is ordinarily known as a public meeting?

MR. RITCHIE

I am not satisfied that the gathering was of the character alleged in the question, but I have no means of ascertaining the composition of meetings at which resolutions of that kind are passed. If I attempted to do so, I should be undertaking a task which would be beyond my powers and would occupy all my time; but I may say that representations have been made as to the bogus character of this meeting and also of meetings on the other side. I have not made any inquiry into the accuracy of the statements. I ought, however, to say that since the receipt of the telegram which I read to the House I have received copies of resolutions passed at meetings held at Bridgeton, protesting strongly against the proposals of the Government; and also at a meeting held at Bridgeton Cross in the open air, in the presence, it is said, of 2,000 people, protesting against the tactics of the Liberal Party, and thanking the Government for their manly attempt to grapple with the liquor problem.

SIR W. LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

Is the right hon. Gentle- man aware that at a large meeting held in Glasgow a resolution was passed condemning the surreptitious manner in which signatures are being obtained in Glasgow in favour of the Government proposals, the posters merely asking for signatures in favour of taxing liquor, promoting free education, the superannuation of the police, and the reduction of public houses, but making no mention of handing money over to the publicans?

MR. RITCHIE

I have not heard of the petition nor of the pester, but from what the right hon. Baronet says in regard to the poster I should think it gives a pretty accurate account of the proposal of the Government.

MR. H. J. WILSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman still consider he made the statement on good evidence?

MR. RITCHIE

What statement?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!