HC Deb 21 March 1890 vol 342 cc1515-6
MR. PHILIPPS (Lanark, Mid)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the action of the Liverpool magistrates in calling troops into the town, and thereby running the risk of provoking a collision with the strikers; and, whether there have been any disturbances in connection with the strike to render such a step necessary?

MR. MATTHEWS

Yes, Sir. I was informed by the Mayor of Liverpool on the 17th inst. that the Chief Constable had reported to him that it was possible that acts of violence might occur which could not be met by the force under his command; and that the Mayor, after a personal investigation of the matter, having arrived at the same conclusion, had summoned a meeting of the City Justices, who passed a resolution to the effect that it would be desirable to have a force of infantry near at hand, and a force was accordingly requisitioned by the Mayor. According to the last information which I have received, everything is quiet at Liverpool.

MR. COBB (Warwick, S.E., Rugby)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true, as reported in the newspapers, that before calling out the military, the Mayor consulted Her Majesty's Judges who happened to be on circuit at Liverpool, and if it is part of their duty to advise magistrates on such an occasion?

MR. MATTHEWS

I only know the fact from what I have seen in the newspapers. I have received no information upon it.