HC Deb 29 February 1912 vol 34 cc1540-1
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the event of a miners' strike, he will, before sanctioning the sending of troops to the Aberdare or Merthyr valleys, ascertain whether the inspector of police in the former and of the chief constable in the latter place is of opinion that soldiers are needed for the preservation of order or the protection of property?

Mr. McKENNA

Troops would be sent to Aberdare or to Merthyr or any other place only on a requisition from the magistrates, who, before making any such requisition, would, in ordinary course, consult the responsible officer in charge of the police in the district. I trust, however, that no necessity will arise for sending troops to South Wales. Though they are ready to be sent if real necessity should arise, they will not be sent if peace is maintained and the law observed.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large proportion of the magistrates in these two places are either coalowners or officials of the mines. Whether, therefore, it is not desirable to take the advice of the chief of police instead of magistrates who are personally interested in the dispute?

Mr. McKENNA

I can assure the hon. Member every care will be taken that troops shall not be sent until after ascertaining the facts upon which the demand was based as to whether troops should be sent. They will not be sent unless their presence is necessary.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the last dispute at Aberdare Valley imported police were sent in defiance of the wishes of the superintendent of police?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question. The right hon. Gentleman was not Home Secretary then.

Mr. LEIF JONES

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the readiness of the South Wales Miners' Federation to support the Government in maintaining order in the event of a strike?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes. I understand the executive of the South Wales Miners' Federation have passed a resolution calling upon all their members to do their best to preserve order.