§ MR. SHACKLETON (Lancashire, Clitheroe)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any attack on the police was made by the strikers in Belfast before the soldiers wore called out; whether anything happened in connection with the strike which has been alleged as a reason for employing the military to overawe the trade unionists; and whether 374 he is still in a position to state that no pickets have been interfered with.
§ MR. BIRRELLNo attack on the police has been made by the strikers in Belfast. The military were in no sense called out with the object of overawing the trade unionists, but simply for the purpose of assisting the civil power in preserving the peace. The police have not taken sides in the dispute, but have carefully confined themselves to their duty of securing order. I am informed that pickets have not been interfered with by the police or military. Persons describing themselves as pickets have been allowed to pass through the military cordons. I am in communication with the authorities in Belfast on the subject of the necessity for continuing the intervention of the military.
§ MR. SHACKLETONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that seven out of the ten companies have come to terms with the workmen? Does this not show a peaceful disposition, and can he not see his way to urge the removal of the military?
§ MR. BIRRELLI do not think the hon. Member ought to press me for an Answer. I must support the civil authorities in this matter. I am making myself fully acquainted with the facts of the dispute. Everyone will agree that the quicker it conies to an end the better.