§ 76. Mr. GEORGE BARKERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that men of His Majesty's naval forces have been sent to Abertillery; that they are marching up and down the streets with fixed bayonets; that their presence there is unnecessary and is resented by the inhabitants; who applied for these forces and who sent them to Abertillery; and, in view of the fact that there was no disorder in Abertillery during the national strike of miners in 1535 1912 and 1920 or during the present dispute, will he order their immediate withdrawal?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I have been asked to answer this question The Admiralty have placed a certain number of naval ratings at the disposal of the military forces to assist the civil authorities if required. I am informed that, at the request of the Chief Constable for Monmouthshire, 250 of these naval ratings were moved to Abertillery from Newport on 12th April.
§ Mr. BARKERIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there has been no breach of the peace in Abertillery; that 250 of these men have been brought there; that they are marching about the streets with fixed bayonets: that they have two machine guns and a large quantity of ball cartridge; that these men were induced to go to Abertillery on being told that the place was on fire, and that the collieries were being destroyed; and, under the circumstances, will he order their withdrawal?—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is making a speech.