HC Deb 22 March 1920 vol 127 cc49-51
Mr. C. PALMER

(by Private Notice) asked the Homo Secretary whether, in view of the fact that Alderman William O'Brien, at present confined at Wormwood Scrubs under a provision of the Defence of the Realm Act, without any definite charge so far made against him, has been duly nominated as a candidate at the pending Parliamentary Election at Stockport, he will at once issue an order affording Alderman O'Brien facilities for addressing the electors, so that he may not be placed at a disadvantage with the other six candidates, and that the constituents may not be deprived of the opportunity of judging of his fitness to represent them?

Mr. SHORTT

It is the fact that Alder-man O'Brien is confined in Wormwood Scrubs. It is not proposed to release him for the purpose mentioned.

Mr. PALMER

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he realises that this denial of justice under the Defence of the Realm Act is turning the minds of many electors away from constitutional government?

Mr. SHORTT

No.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Is it not a fact that in the analogous case of Mr. John Maclean, he was released in order to contest the Gorbals Division of Glasgow at the General Election, he being in Peterhead Gaol at the time he was nominated, and why is the precedent then set not being followed in this case, especially as Mr. Maclean was tried and Mr. O'Brien was not?

Mr. SHORTT

I am aware of that case.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Then why is there a difference in this case?

Mr. MacVEAGH

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that over 300 Irishmen are now in prison without conviction, without trial, and without even a definite charge being preferred against them, and whether he thinks that is in accordance with the traditions of English justice?

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Why is there a difference in the cases of Mr. O'Brien and Mr. John Maclean? May I not have the courtesy of a reply?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is not an urgent matter, and perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman can give notice of his question.

Mr. BILLING

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the critical situation which has arisen throughout the country in connection with the recognition by local bodies of trade union principles, and further, whether he is aware that this state of affairs has culminated in a lightning strike in the Borough of Hertford of all employés of the Corporation, and if, with a view of not only bringing this strike to an end, but of preventing the occurrence of similar strikes throughout the country, he will state what is the policy of the Government in this connection?

Lieut.-Colonel GILMOUR

I have been asked to answer this question. I am not aware of any critical situation of the kind described. It has been the practice of many local governing bodies for some years to recognise trade unions. I understand that, as the result of a difference between the Hertford Corporation and the trade union, 23 labourers stopped work on Thursday. The Ministry of Labour has been in communication during the past month with the parties, and is endeavouring to secure a settlement. I do not consider that the situation at Hertford demands exceptional measures from the Government.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask the Primo Minister to reply to the definite point as to whether the Government do or do not wish local governing bodies to recognise representations of the Trade Unions, and is he aware that this strike would be settled in half an hour if this question were answered? Is he also aware—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that.

Mr. BILLING

On a point of Order. I sent a letter to the Prime Minister at 10, Downing Street at ten o'clock this morning, asking him if he would state the policy of the Government in that connection. It is a definite question of policy, and one which the Prime Minister can answer as to whether he wishes.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give Parliamentary notice by handing in the question.

Mr. BILLING

If I put a question on the paper, will the Prime Minister give a definite reply, Yes or No?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Prime Minister would be well advised to wait and see the question.