§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the President of the Local Government Board (37) if disease has broken out among the imported labour housed on board the "Lady Jocelyn"; and, if so, whether he can state the nature of the disease together with the steps being taken in connection therewith; and (38) if a wharf or wharves at Wapping have been closed owing to an outbreak of infectious disease, which disease was introduced by persons imported to take the 1317 places of men out on strike; and, if so, what steps he is taking to obviate either the spread or a recurrence of such a danger to public health?
§ Mr. BURNSI am informed that no illness of an infectious nature has occurred on board the "Lady Jocelyn" or amongst the other persons referred to. I cannot learn that any wharf or wharves at Wapping have had to be closed for the reasons stated.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs not the action of the strikers in isolating these ships directly calculated to promote the outbreak of disease on these ships?
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Home Secretary practically admitted on one occasion that disease did break out at the Wapping Wharf?
§ 65. Sir J. D. REESasked the Home Secretary whether the "Lady Jocelyn" was unable to take in the necessary supply of water owing to intimidation from strikers in the vicinity who patrolled the water in union picket boats; that an attack was made on the 10th instant by pickets in boats on a boat conveying provisions to the "Lady Jocelyn," with the result that several persons were badly hurt; and whether he has arranged to give proper protection in this behalf?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe "Lady Jocelyn" has been lying at Greenhithe within the jurisdiction of the Kent police. I was informed that there was some fear of disturbances in connection with the conveyance of water and provisions to the ship, and I communicated in the matter with the Chief Constable of Kent. On 10th June protection was given by a strong detachment of the Kent Constabulary, and the provisions were successfully taken on board.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman why he communicated with the Chief Constable of Kent, if he is not responsible for law and order?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the Noble Lord had paid attention to the statement of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, he would have recognised that it does come within my discretion to communicate with chief constables all over the country.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has any information that several persons were badly hurt, or, whether there has been a misstatement in the Press as to persons being badly hurt.
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no information as to anybody being badly hurt.