§ Earl WINTERTONI beg to ask the Home Secretary a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether his attention has been called to the fact that, at Wishaw, yesterday, a 2058 large crowd succeeded in preventing a number of non-unionists from working in the mines, and, further, whether at Tranent a crowd, estimated at 600 men, marched to the colliery, did considerable damage to property, and intimidated the miners, and whether he will take immediate steps to prevent the repetition of these scenes?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. My attention has been called to the various statements made in to-day's papers. I have called for reports on the particular allegations referred to in the question, but there has not been sufficient time to receive them. Hon. Members may rest assured that every effort has been, and is being made to provide sufficient protection against illegal interference or intimidation.
§ Earl WINTERTONDo not these incidents show that the Government policy, as stated by his right hon. colleague—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Noble Lord can form his own judgment on that.
§ Earl WINTERTONWhat steps have been taken to carry out the policy of affording adequate protection to those non-unionist miners who wish to work in the mines?
§ Mr. O'GRADYHas the right hon. Gentleman or his colleagues taken into consideration the fact that many hon. Gentlemen in this House, particularly from the opposite side, have constantly incited the Government to bring out troops against peaceful citizens?
§ Mr. PRINGLEHave the local authorities in Lanarkshire indicated that they are unable to keep the peace?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODNo, Sir; the reply to the question of my hon. Friend and that of the Noble Lord is that we have had no such indication from the local authorities. Order is being preserved by the ordinary civil force.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that these disturbances have taken place not only in Lanark, but in East Lothian and Dumfriesshire, and, as to the telegram that was sent asking for information, until he has received the information how can he possibly know that all proper steps have been taken?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODMy answer was a general answer, to which I have to add this, that I have had occasion to ask for reports from the chief constable and sheriffs in previous cases, when statements as to disorder were made in the Press, and I found in all cases that there was considerable exaggeration.
§ Mr. HAROLD SMITHIn the event of any local authority requiring extra assistance, will the Government guarantee that that assistance shall be forthcoming?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODThat is a hypothetical question. The Government, in such an event as is indicated by the hon. Gentleman, will do their duty in the matter.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government has given any intimation to the local authorities that they will be supported in any steps they may think it necessary to take?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODWe should regard such an intimation as entirely superfluous. I hope the Noble Lord does not suppose I have not been in communication with the authorities in Scotland. They note the position exactly.