HC Deb 27 February 1912 vol 34 cc1165-6
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked what was the cost of moving and maintaining troops during the strikes and labour troubles in 1911, and from what fund were the payments made?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Tennant)

The cost of moving and maintaining troops in connection with the railway and other strikes last summer, so far as is known in the War Office, was approximately £40,000. The payments were made out of Army funds.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask the hon. Gentleman upon what Vote it will come?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know.

Mr. JOHN WARD

May I ask whether any request has been made to the railway companies to pay a proportion of that sum?

Mr. TENNANT

I should like to have notice of that question.

Mr. WATT

How much of that was paid to the railway companies?

Mr. TENNANT

A certain amount for moving troops.

Mr. WATT

Do you know how much?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked if the War Office, in addition to being prepared to maintain the right of free speech by force of arms, are also prepared to protect those who wish to maintain the right to work for themselves and their families during strikes; and whether the same force will be available on demand in the one case as in the other?

Colonel SEELY

The duty of citizens, whether under military law or not, to assist the civil power in preventing breaches of the peace is too large a subject to discuss at question time.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

If men are prevented from doing their work will they have the same right to apply to the War Office for troops as a certain right hon. Gentleman did?

Colonel SEELY

That is a question for the Home Office.

Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHER

May I ask whether the Government will order all future conferences of owners' and men's representatives to be held in public, in order that the weight of public opinion may be directed against whatever party imperils the interests of the nation by adopting an attitude of non-compromise.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Secretary to the War Office has no control over that matter.

Mr. CLYNES

Is it proposed to take any action with regard to the conduct of employers in seeking to compel men to remain at work who want to leave?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not come within the scope of the War Office.