§ Mr. BILLING(by Private Notice) asked the Leader of the House whether he is aware that the attitude of the Home Office with regard to the National Union of Police and Prison Officials has created a crisis which is likely to culminate in a general strike, and whether, having regard to the desirability of preventing such a national calamity, he will immediately set up a Committee upon which the police and prison officials shall have fair and just representation to inquire into the administration by the Home Office of the City and Metropolitan Police?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot accept as accurate the statement in the first part of this question, but the Government are fully alive to the situation, which is now under their consideration.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that at the present moment a secret ballot is being taken by the police; whether the Home Office attitude of total indifference is driving this union into the hands of other unions, which is most detrimental to discipline and to the general welfare of the police, and will ho approach the subject in a humane and just manner?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI shall only answer the last part of the question. The reply is in the affirmative.