HC Deb 13 March 1912 vol 35 cc1094-6
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked whether the Orchard Colliery, near Sheffield, was closed down last Friday on account of intimidation by a peaceful picket some 200 strong, and will remain closed down until the embargo is removed by the Miners' Association; and whether the authorities will afford adequate protection to the staff of that mine and to their dependents if it is desired to reopen that pit without the leave of the Miners' Association?

Mr. McKENNA

The pit is a very small one, employing only fifteen men. The chief constable reports that it was closed on Friday by the owner after a visit by about forty Derbyshire miners, but that no threats were used, and that no request has been made to the police for protection. If protection is required, the local authorities are primarily responsible.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

If it is desired to reopen the pit is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to see that the labourers are protected?

Mr. McKENNA

The local authorities are primarily responsible.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Will the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to see that law and order are maintained?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, Sir; every step would be taken to see that law and order are enforced, but I would remind the Noble Lord that it is impossible to give answers to purely hypothetical questions.

Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHER

In view of the fact that the case in the question is only one out of hundreds all over the country, where the right to work has been forcibly interfered with, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will seriously consider the question of amending the Trades Disputes Act which deals with this erroneously called peaceful picketing?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question. The hon. Gentleman asks the Home Secretary whether he will amend the law of the land. That is a sort of question which cannot be answered on the moment; it requires consideration.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

May I ask whether it is in order for a Member of this House to cast aspersions on a body of men at a time when the authorities admit that there is absolute peace throughout the entire coalfields?

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot stop an hon. Member from asking a supplementary question. All I can do is to request him to put it down in writing, and then I can see whether it is a proper question for answer.

An HON. MEMBER

It should be stopped. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order."]

Mr. O'GRADY

We will get order for you directly, if you do not shut up over there. [An HON. MEMBER: "Name."]

Mr. McKENNA

As to the first part of the hon. Member's question, as he has stated that there are hundreds of cases similar to that mentioned in the Noble Lord's question, I think I ought to have the opportunity of stating that I have no knowledge of those cases.

Mr. CLAUDE LOWTHER

I should be very glad to give the right hon. Gentleman the information.