47. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked how many men have up to the present been injured in connection with the dock strike in London and the labour troubles at the Belfast shipyards, respectively; what is the number of men affected by the Belfast dispute and the number of police available for dealing therewith; and what are the grounds on which the Government has- 2911 made use of troops in Belfast, while it has not only declined to do so in London, but has restricted the use of Metropolitan Police to the protection of men in a limited area?
§ Mr. CARR-GOMMMay I ask whether, in common fairness to the people of London, he realises that this question makes a comparison between two entirely dissimilar events, and whether he also realises that the request for the use of troops in the Port of London came from persons associated with the party opposite?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe number of men actually assaulted at the shipyards at Belfast so far as is known to the police is thirty-one. The number who have lost their employment owing to violence and intimidation is believed to be about 2,500. With regard to the London dock strike, I am informed that up to and including the 21st July, fifty-eight private persons were treated at London hospitals for injuries received in connection with the strike. Of these the injuries of only ten persons were such as to necessitate detention in hospital. The number of police available in London was sufficient for the maintenance of order, but in Belfast the normal police force of the city was not adequate to deal with the serious state of affairs, and the assistance of the military was therefore obtained in aid of the civil power.
§ Mr. PETOAre we to understand that 2,500 employés of the Belfast dockyard are now out of employment in consequence of disturbances?
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs not that in consequence of the disturbance preached in this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe figures I have given are supplied to me by the Irish Office.