§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can inform the House under what circumstances the forces of the Crown supplied with bail cartridges were employed yesterday in Belfast in clearing the streets of trade union pickets, whether the Riot Act was read, and what is the state of affairs this morning.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe military are being employed in Belfast upon the representation of the Lord Mayor and the local civil authority that military assistance was absolutely necessary in order to secure peace for that great city. The military formed cordons across the streets for the purpose of keeping back the people who were likely to interfere or intimidate imported labourers. So far as the Government know, no pickets have been interfered with. It was simply in the interests of the public peace that any man was kept outside the cordon. I have no information as to the Riot Act being read. My information is that peace has been preserved, and there is no occasion for alarm.
§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked whether there was any truth in the telegram which he handed to the right hon. Gentleman last night, alleging that pickets had been interfered with. The telegram was sent by an official of the trade union.
§ MR. BIRRELLIt was upon the basis of that telegram that I obtained the information I have given to the House.
§ MR. MOOREHas it become necessary to resort to military power in Belfast because every available constable has been drafted into the west of Ireland?
§ MR. BIRRELLThe hon. and learned Gentleman knows more about the business even than I do, and it is not very desirable to introduce into Belfast constables from other parts of Ireland. All persons who are acquainted with that city know that that is not the best way to keep peace.
§ MR. BIRRELLI believe that is so. The local civil authority, having regard to the position of affairs, thought it desirable that the civil force should be rein forced, and it was on their responsibility that this request was made.
§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDThese soldiers were supplied with ball cartridge. In view of the reasons for calling out these troops was it necessary to do that?
§ MR. BIRRELLI think that is the visual practice.
§ *MR. SHACKLETON (Lancashire, Clitheroe)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that negotiations were going on to settle this strike, that the smaller companies had agreed to meet the men's representatives, but that the larger companies would not agree, and that that was the cause of the unrest.
§ MR. BIRRELLThat is no part of my responsibility in the matter.
§ MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)Can the military be supplied with ball cartridge 114 until the Riot Act is read? [Cries of "No."]
§ [No Answer was returned.]