§ Sir F. BANBURYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the report 1398 for the quarter ending the 25th October, 1911, of the Burnley and District Weavers, Winders, and Beamers Association, in which the members are advised to shun the non-members as if they were possessed of some plague or fever, and to refuse to assist them in any way, or to associate with them; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent workmen being prejudiced in consequence of their refusal to join a trade union?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)I have not seen the report referred to in the question. I should, of course, much regret the use of language of the kind indicated, and I can only say that language which is calculated to lead to a breach of the peace can be dealt with under the existing law.
§ Sir F. BANBURYWill the right hon. Gentleman allow me to show him the report afterwards?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; certainly.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware many employers of labour compel their workers to leave the trade unions as a condition of employment?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis is a case of the use of language of a rather violent kind.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs it not rather violent action on the part of the employers to impose that condition?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat does not arise out of the question.