§ Mr. JAMES ROWLANDSI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether he is aware that a strike of the labourers on the fruit farms is taking place at Swanley and Crockenhill, Kent; that notices to quit their cottages have been served upon some of the labourers, and that in some cases applications are to be made to-morrow, the 17th, at the Dartford Petty Sessional Court for eviction orders, and in other cases for the following week; and whether he has any power to take action to prevent these people being evicted during a labour dispute; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI regret I have no power to interfere in the matter.
§ Mr. J. WARDWho has? Has anyone any authority to interfere to prevent this cruelty to men who simply want fair play?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt is a matter for the Courts of Justice.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWould they be justified in arming themselves to protect their homes?
§ Mr. J. ROWLANDSWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry to see whether this is not one of the cases in which more cottages are wanted, so that the labourers will be independent of tied cottages?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELCases such as this have been in mind of the Government, certainly, in deciding upon their housing policy. The Government have no power to build cottages until the Bill now before the House is framed.
§ Mr. W. CROOKSIs it possible for the Law Officers of the Crown to appear and defend these men?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThat question should be addressed to the Attorney-General.
§ Mr. CROOKSMay I ask the Attorney-General then?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALI am afraid I must ask for notice.
§ Mr. CROOKSThere is no time for notice: the case comes on to-morrow.
§ Mr. J. ROWLANDSI should be glad to supply the right hon. Gentleman with all the information.