HC Deb 10 June 1912 vol 39 cc531-2
39. Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether in the future it is the intention of the Government to afford protection to either trade unionists or non-unionists willing to work during a strike in cases when such Government protection may be likely to bring about a breach of the peace by the men on strike?

Mr. McKENNA

If it be necessary, and so far as the resources of the police extend, protection will be given to unionists and non-unionists alike; and so far as possible it will be given in such a way and under such conditions as appear least likely to lead to any breach of the peace.

Mr. HUNT

Are we to understand that the working men of this country are no longer to be free to work for themselves and their families unless they can protect themselves from violence?

Mr. McKENNA

No, the whole tenour of the answer that I have given to the hon. Gentleman would not lead to the conclusion which he now draws.

Mr. HUNT

Has the right hon. Gentleman reversed the decision of Thursday which he gave to the House?

Mr. McKENNA

I gave no such decision on Thursday. If the hon. Member, before he puts another question, will be so good as to read the report, and to quote my words, I shall be happy to answer him.

Captain CRAIG

Will the right hon. Gentleman send a copy of his answer to Messrs. Houlder?

Mr. LLOYD

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the introduction of free labour will always be prevented in future, and whether it will always be considered provocative?

Mr. McKENNA

If the hon. Member were only aware of the facts he would know that in London at the present time more free labour is being protected than has ever been protected before in the course of the strike.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police are preventing the strikers from picketing the railway stations in the usual way?

Mr. McKENNA

I would like notice of that question.

40. Sir J. D. REES

asked whether the police force available in London is insufficient to afford protection to the inhabitants in the exercise of their legal rights; and, if not, what steps are contemplated for bringing it up to the necessary strength?

Mr. McKENNA

In normal circumstances, and even in such abnormal circumstances as the present dock strike, I do not think the force can be regarded as insufficient.