§ MR. LEVY (Leicestershire, Loughborough)To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that vessels trading in the interest of private owners have been unloaded at Government wharves in Gibraltar during the recent labour dispute there; that soldiers and police have, by the orders of the Governor, been employed in the unloading of such ships; and will he say if the employment of soldiers in such a manner is consistent with the regulations of the service, and has the approval of His Majesty's Government; and whether he is aware that Government vessels have been used to convey Moorish and other labourers to Gibraltar to replace the men locked out by the dock companies.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain.) No vessels were unloaded at the Government Wharves at Gibraltar during the recent labour disputes, nor were soldiers or police employed in connection with the unloading of vessels, except in eases where Government stores, or stores intended for important public works, had to be landed. His Majesty's Government are satisfied that the action of the Governor in this matter did not go beyond what was required for the protection of Government interests. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.