§ 42. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Police Constable M'Shea, Police Constable Danies, and Police Constable Chane, all of the R Division, have all been penalised to the extent of £54 in connection with the police agitation for joining a trade union; if he is aware that twenty other police- 418 men have been penalised to the extent of £15 12s. for the same offence; and if he can see his way clear to reduce the penalty inflicted?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe cases of Police-constables Davis, Moshea, and Chane were dealt with two years ago, and I would refer the hon. Member to the full replies given by my predecessor on the 4th and 8th March, 1915; and, with regard to the latter cases, to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Islington on the 28th February of this year.
§ Mr. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman give any reasons why these policemen are not allowed to join a trade union when all the other thousands of Civil servants, both men and women, are allowed to join, and when there is no restriction upon any policemen under the control of the municipalities in joining a trade union?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have answered the question before. The police are under military discipline, and are responsible for peace and order in London and elsewhere and I do not think they should be allowed to join a trade union.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the attitude of the right hon. Gentleman towards the whole police problem identical with that of his predecessor?
§ Sir G. CAVEYes.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman himself belongs to one of the strongest of trade unions?