§ MR. HOWORTH (Salford, S.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the widespread danger and disaster which must inevitably ensue if a large town is suddenly put in darkness by a strike among gas stokers, and other workmen associated with them in the production of gas, the Government propose to introduce any legislation during the present Session to put this class of artisans in the same category as sailors and postmen, and to limit or regulate their power of indiscriminate striking?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHThe Government quite recognise the gravity of the subject to which my hon. Friend alludes, but, having regard to the ability with which the companies and authorities who are responsible for the supply of gas met the difficulties which were occasioned by the strike without the assistance of any extraordinary powers, Her Majesty's Government do not think it is necessary for them to propose legislation which would interfere between employers and employed. They rely rather on the moderation and good sense of the parties to controversies of this character, and to the powerful influence of public opinion upon them.