HC Deb 16 May 1907 vol 174 c1108
MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the strike of dock labourers at Belfast organised to compel the Belfast Steamship Company to discharge certain of their workmen who decline to join a particular trade union; whether he is aware that, although the local police authorities were formally warned by the company that a breach of the peace was to be feared, adequate steps to maintain the peace were not taken by them and that, in consequence, the York Dock was on fire at 4 p.m. on the 11th May, while the labourers engaged by the company to carry on the work of their vessels were subjected to violence by the strikers, as the result of which some of these labourers have been seriously injured; whether any, and, if so, what, instructions or suggestions had been previously sent to the police with reference to their action on these occasions; and whether he will take immediate steps to ensure such protection to the company's workers at Belfast as shall enable their lawful employment to be carried on in that city without the risk of further personal violence.

MR. CHERRY

This matter is receiving careful attention. The quays of Belfast harbour are policed by the Harbour Commissioners' Police. On the 9th instant, however, before any disturbance occurred, the Belfast Steamship Company asked for assistance from the Royal Irish Constabulary, and a force of about 300 men has since been employed day and night at the scene. Some rubbish and a bale of hay were found to be on fire at the York Dock on the 11th instant. The fire was at once extinguished; the damage was trifling, and no other injury has been committed. When one of the company's vessels carrying imported labourers was going down the river, lumps of coal were thrown by labourers on other vessels. None of the labourers were hit, but one of the crew was slightly injured. The police were unable to prevent this. No instructions or suggestions were given to the police in the matter. The Commissioner is well aware of his duty of preserving the peace. Ample protection has been afforded throughout and will continue to be afforded to the company's workers.