HC Deb 06 November 1911 vol 30 cc1271-3
Mr. KELLAWAY

asked when the House will have an opportunity of discussing the use of the military in connection with the recent railway strikes?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot promise more at present than to give a day for the discussion of the Report of the Railway Commission.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on the only occasion when the subject was discussed or mentioned in the House he then said that the Government had no desire to burke the fullest and freest discussion, but that that was a moment when the fewer words said the better; and, under these circumstances, does he feel that a subject of this importance, in which the executive action of the Government have had such tragic consequences, has been adequately and fully discussed?

The PRIME MINISTER

My appeal, I think, was not altogether responded to. There was a long debate on the subject. All I can say is that I cannot promise more than a day at present, but I will consider any general representations that may be made.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Is it fair to punish these Members who responded to the appeal for the offence of those who did not?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir; it is not.

Sir W. BYLES

Are we to be allowed, in discussing the Report of the Railway Commission, to discuss the use of the military in civil disturbances?

The PRIME MINISTER

That will be a matter for the Chairman.

Mr. KELLAWAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state the charge thrown upon the Exchequer by the use of the military in connection with the recent railway strike?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

Returns of the extra expenditure involved have been called for, but it will be very difficult to determine accurately the extra cost caused by the use of the military.

Mr. WATT

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to ask the railway companies to subscribe towards the expenses incurred?

Colonel SEELY

No, Sir.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether the Government paid to the railway companies any charges for carrying troops on their lines?

Colonel SEELY

There is a question which was postponed until to-morrow in which the whole question is dealt with, addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (No. 57), and perhaps the hon. Member would wait until then.

Mr. KELLAWAY

If the information the Government have got is not of a kind to give an accurate idea of the total cost of the military, of what use is it going to be when it is given to-morrow?

Colonel SEELY

The question which my hon. Friend asked was who is to pay, and the question he now asks is how much it is to cost. It is obviously difficult to estimate the cost of troops when, if not engaged on that duty, they would probably be otherwise engaged in training. The question as to who is to pay will be answered to-morrow by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Shall we have information giving any indication of what the use of the military cost the taxpayers of the country?

Colonel SEELY

I said that we had asked for a return, and I have also told my hon. Friend that it is difficult to estimate the cost, because we have to take into account what a soldier costs when engaged on other duties.

Mr. WALTER ROCH

Will the additional expense form the subject of a Supplementary Estimate?

Colonel SEELY

I think it would be more suitable if that question also were put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to-morrow.

Mr. KELLAWAY

asked how many persons were killed or injured by the military in connection with the recent railway strike?

Colonel SEELY

Two persons were killed in Wales in connection with the railway strike. There were also two deaths at Liverpool, but those were not immediately connected with the railway strike. There is no information at the War Office to enable me to state the number of those injured in England and Wales. We have received no reports of casualties in Scotland, and from Ireland I have received official information that no collision of any kind occurred between the troops and the civil population.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Were the War Department officially represented at the inquest? Was a report taken of the evidence?

Colonel SEELY

On what occasion?

Mr. KELLAWAY

At Llanelly and at Liverpool?

Colonel SEELY

I cannot answer that off-hand.

Mr. KELLAWAY

I will put down a question.