HC Deb 13 June 1912 vol 39 cc1042-5
77. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)

asked the Home Secretary if he has received any communication from the strike committee of the transport workers protesting against the use of police as blackleg agents; and whether the police have at any time during the present strike taken any action, except with a view to the protection of men desiring to work, from the violence of the strikers?

Mr. McKENNA

Complaints were made to me that the police had assisted in push- ing loaded wagons up an incline and in raising horses which had fallen. On inquiry I found that the police had done no more than common humanity required; but I issued special instructions that care should be taken not to allow any overloaded wagons to join the convoy. In another case, where complaint was made, it appeared that a constable had driven a cart for a short distance while the driver was suffering from faintness and unable to drive. The police has not, in connection with the present strike, been employed on any duties except the maintenance of order and the prevention of violence or intimidation.

Mr. FRED HALL

Is the House to assume there is no foundation for the complaint raised by the hon. Member for East Leeds with regard to a police charge at Rotherhithe?

Mr. McKENNA

I cannot go back on yesterday's debate.

Mr. O'GRADY

Is it not the fact that the policeman driving the van was doing carmen's work, and therefore black-legging?

Mr. McKENNA

He only did his obvious duty as the carman was faint.

Mr. FRED HALL

May I press for an answer to my question?

Mr. SPEAKER

It does not arise out of the question on the Paper. The hon. Member must put it down.

78. Mr. INGLEBY

asked the Home Secretary whether the barge "Malcolm" is lying at Deptford Pumping Station loaded with sewer strainings and, owing to the nuisance occasioned, the London County Council has served notice on the contractor to empty the barge at once; and, seeing that owing to his workmen being intimidated the contractor is unable to comply with the notice, whether, in the interests of the people residing near the pumping station, he will provide the necessary protection to enable the contractor to comply with it?

Mr. McKENNA

The Commissioner of Police reports that the barge "Malcolm" is lying at Deptford Pumping Station as stated; but that it is not the case that the contractor's workmen have been intimidated. They belong to the lightermen's union and refuse to unload the barge without a so-called permit, and this the strike committee decline to issue. If men are available for unloading this barge, the police will supply protection.

79. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the injury caused to non-unionists desiring to work for the Port Authority; whether he is aware that one man was pushed over a bridge at Purfleet and that some have died from the effects of injuries received at the hands of the strikers; and, if so, what steps he intends to take in order that non-unionists may be allowed to work for their living should they so desire?

80. Mr. WILLIAM PEEL

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a dock labourer named Harry Harrington was set upon by strikers in the early hours of Monday last at Purfleet, Essex, and as the result of the severe treatment he received Harrington is now suffering from a broken leg and serious internal injuries; whether this outrage is the natural result of inadequate police protection; and what steps he proposes to take to put a stop to such outrages and to give adequate police protection to persons engaged in lawful occupations?

Mr. McKENNA

It appears from the reports I have received from the Essex police that Harrington was forced, presumably by strikers, to leave a train in which he was travelling; he fled along the railway line, and tried to escape by hanging over the parapet of a bridge; but he was struck on the fingers, had to lose his hold, and fell twenty feet, breaking his leg. The superintendent of police does not think that any addition to the force at his command would have prevented this outrage. Several workers have been assaulted at Purfleet, but no one has been killed, and so far as I am aware no one but Harrington seriously injured. The Essex police and the Essex magistrates are responsible for maintaining order and preventing crime at Purfleet, and the police have been reinforced by large contingents lent by other police authorities.

Mr. PEEL

Have any steps been taken to bring to justice the ruffians who assaulted this man?

Mr. McKENNA

I must have notice of that question. As it does not come under the Metropolitan Police, it would not be within my immediate knowledge. I could not answer the question without notice.

Mr. PEEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to shelter himself behind these technical objections?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is not a proper observation to make.

Mr. FRED HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question as to what steps he intends to take in order that non-unionists may be allowed to work for their living should they so desire?

Mr. McKENNA

Every step is being taken, within the power of the police, in order to protect workmen of all kinds, whether union or non-union men, in obtaining their living.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 300 non-union men at the Albert Dock last night wanted to get out and the police would not let them? They have too much police protection.

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.