HC Deb 14 April 1893 vol 11 cc326-7
MR. KEIR HARDIE (West Ham, S.)

I beg to postpone the question of which I had given notice—i.e., to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers are being used at Hull to aid in loading and unloading vessels: and whether this is in accordance with their instructions?

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,&c.) Stirling,

It is not necessary to postpone the question till Monday. I did not ask the hon. Member to do so; and if he will allow me I will answer it now.

The following telegram has been received from the officer on the spot:— There is no foundation whatever for statement that soldiers are being used to assist at dockside work.

MR. KEIR HARDIE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a lady journalist, who had taken part in a meeting of the locked-out dockers at Hull, has since been refused admission to the docks by the police; and whether he will intervene to prevent any such interference with the freedom of the Press?

MR. ASQUITH

I am in communication with the Chief Constable, and have not yet received his reply. The local police are under the control of the Watch Committee.