MR. T. F. RICHARDSI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that on the day of the poll in the recent by-election in East Wolverhampton a body of workmen employed at the Patent Axle Box Works, Wednesfield, were marched in procession to the polling booth with the Tariff Reform candidate at their head, and that it is stated that many of those in the procession were pressed to do so; whether he will cause inquiry to be made into this allegation of intimidation; and whether he will 1669 recommend at an early date some amendment of the present law to prevent the recurrence of such practices.
§ MR. ASQUITHI am not acquainted with the facts. If the hon. Member thinks there is ground for the suggestion that the law was violated the facts should be laid before the Public Prosecutor. I cannot, in the circumstances, say whether a case is made out for the amendment of the existing law.
§ EARL WINTERTONIf the right hon. Gentleman makes any inquiry will he enlarge its scope to take into consideration the alleged intimidation by trade unions in compelling their members to pay for the support of certain political candidates?
[No Answer was returned.]