49 and 50. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that associations and unions of citizens in various parts of the country have been, and are being, formed to maintain services essential to the community in the event of an unjustifiable strike on the part of employés in any such service; and will he take steps to afford the protection extended to members of a trade union under the Trade Union and Trade Dispute" Act, 1906, to such defence associations of citizens when endeavouring to maintain services essential to the community; and (2) whether he is aware that the avowed policy of a section of organised labour to obtain political results by methods of industrial action was not in contemplation when the Trade Disputes Act was placed on the Statute Book; and will he consent to receive a deputation of the Middle Classes Union with regard to the position if which large sections of the community are now placed by the Act?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think it would be possible to extend the immunities referred to in the questions, nor do I follow my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that the Trade Disputes Act would apply in the circumstances which he appears to contemplate. 631 I do not, therefore, think that any useful purpose would be served by my consenting to receive a deputation.