§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked by whose authority and on whose initiative were the military forces of the Crown sent to the borough of Salford to assist in quelling disorder?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe troops were sent on the application of the Mayor of Salford. The military authorities are required by the King's Regulations to send military aid to the civil power directly on the application of the magistrates; but in this case they had also express instructions from the War Office, sent after consultation with me.
§ Sir W. BYLESDo I understand that any local mayor when he gets a little frightened can turn on a regiment of soldiers, by, as it were, putting a penny in the slot? Does the Home Secretary take full responsibility for this matter? Did the right hon. Gentleman take the initiative or did the mayor? And does the authority and the responsibility rest with the Home Office?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe hon. Member surely has not listened to my reply. I said: "In this case they had also express instructions from the War Office sent after consultation with me."
§ Mr. LEACHWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us upon whom the cost of these soldiers' visit will fall?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI know on whom the cost ought to fall, and if the admirable Bill at present before the House passes before the end of the Session, I know on whom it will fall.