HC Deb 06 March 1912 vol 35 cc384-5
Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)

asked what expenditure has been incurred since the passing of the Trade Disputes Act for the provision of extra military and police, other than those ordinarily employed in the district 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?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

I have no information as to the cost of military, which can be given, if at all, only by the War Office; nor have I any information as to the cost of extra police employed for the purpose specified in the question. The Home Office does not receive any Returns from police authorities which would give the figures. It would involve much labour to the police to supply them, and any figures that could be obtained would be of very little value. In case of disturbance the cost of extra police is generally a small fraction of the extra cost of police.

Mr. FRED HALL

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say on Monday last that if I asked for the extra cost he would endeavour to give it?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir. I was only giving one of the reasons why I could not give the figures then asked for by the hon. Member. I am now only giving a reason why I cannot give the answer he asks for to-day.

Earl WINTERTON

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman write to the districts involved and ask them to give him the figures. Would there be any trouble and expense involved?

Mr. McKENNA

Those are the very points we have inquired about. I am informed there would be great expense, considerable trouble, and no value.

Mr. FRED HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman right in stating that the figures I have asked for would be of no value to the House?

Mr. McKENNA

I believe so.