HC Deb 11 September 1893 vol 17 cc832-3
MR. MACDONALD (Tower Hamlets, Bow)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department a question of which I have given him private notice. The question is as follows:—How many members of the Metropolitan Police Force have been despatched to Yorkshire; what proportion this number bears to the whole force; whether it is not a fact that these men have been sent away for an indefinite period; and, if so, whether a permanent reduction of the Metropolitan Police Force is possible; and, lastly, whether the Government has finally resolved to do nothing in reference to the dispute except make a display of superior force; and whether they hold that this completes their responsibility in the matter?

MR. ASQUITH

The number of Metropolitan Police sent to Yorkshire is 250. The total strength of the Metropolitan Force is over 15,000. The period for which the men have been sent is necessarily indefinite; they will be recalled as soon as they can be spared. By Section 25 of the Police Act, 1890, Police Authorities are empowered for special emergencies to strengthen their own force by borrowing from other forces. I am constantly impressing upon Local Authorities the importance of availing themselves of this power, and in my opinion it is the duty of Police Authorities whose own districts are in a normal condition to comply to the utmost of their ability with requisitions from districts which are in exceptional need. It was in pursuance of this obligation that I sanctioned the despatch of Metropolitan constables to Yorkshire. Their temporary absence for a special purpose is not to be regarded as indicating that any permanent reduction of the Metropolitan Police is desirable or possible. As to the last part of the question, I cannot assent to the description of measures urgently necessary for the prevention of gross lawlessness as a "display of superior force." The Government has no power to put an end to the dispute in connection with which these deplorable excesses have occurred. But, in common with the whole nation, they earnestly hope that on both sides counsels of moderation may prevail.

MR. BARTLEY

I suppose no extra cost will be thrown on the Metropolitan ratepayers. The charges will be paid by the districts to which the police are sent, will they not?

MR. ASQUITH

Of course that is so.