Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked what expenditure has been incurred since the passing of the Trade Disputes Act for the special provision of military and police for the maintenance of order in connection with labour disputes; and what expenditure was incurred for the same purposes for a similar period before the passing of the Act referred to?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am afraid it would be quite impossible to get out figures on this point that would be of any value.
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. I could not get reliable figures on the subject.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in answer to a similar question last September he said he would make full inquiry into the figures, and is the result that which he has just given.
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is so. It has been found on examination it is impossible to give any figures of the smallest value.
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Gentleman will surely see it may be part of the constable's ordinary duty to protect property, and it would be quite impossible to allocate any part of the charge to a constable doing his duty in protecting property during a riot.
Mr. FRED HALLIs the House to understand that the amount has considerably increased since the passing of the Act.
§ Mr. McKENNANo.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman furnish the figures if the question is confined to the provision of the military and extra police?
§ Mr. McKENNAI answered the question put down on the Paper.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYIs it not a fact that these continuous attacks on trade unions produce labour unrest?