§ Sir H. CRAIK(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether it is the case, as stated at the meeting in Hyde Park yesterday, that the Prime Minister sent a message expressing regret that he could not receive representatives of the Police Union and that he could do nothing further at present?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)No, Sir, it is not the case. The Prime Minister declined to take any action in the matter, but authorised the Leader of the House to make the statement that the Prime Minister had been kept fully informed of all the steps which had been taken by the Government, and that they had his entire approval.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs he aware that the Secretary to the Prime Minister, speaking on the telephone from Downing Street to myself, repeated that statement substantially as stated, and that I communicated it to the leader of the union?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, I am not aware of it, but it is wholly incorrect. The only answer given to the hon. Member was that the Prime Minister had nothing to add.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs he also aware that, owing to the reasonableness of that answer, no strike took place? [HON. MEMBERS: No, no!"]
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, I am certainly not aware of that.