§ MR. BARLOW (Somerset, Frome)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, although there has not been the slightest disturbance in the Somerset coal district during the strike, yet large numbers of extra police have been drafted into the district; and whether he has any power to prevent the Local Authorities acting thus?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fife, E.I have telegraphed to the authorities in Somersetshire on this matter, but have as yet received no reply. When it arrives I will show it privately to the hon. Member. But 1153 whether the statement is true or not, I must point out that the matter rests in the discretion of the Local Authorities, and that I have no power to interfere.