HC Deb 07 June 1921 vol 142 cc1688-9
24. Mr. MYERS

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been committed for trial on a charge of unlawful assembly since the commencement of the coal dispute; and how many have been convicted?

Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury, for Mr. Shortt)

I have obtained returns from the areas affected by the coal strike, and I find that 13 persons have been committed for trial on the charge of riot and 25 on the charge of unlawful assembly. None of them have yet been tried, as the trials must take place at the Assizes.

Mr. LUNN

Does the hon. Gentleman believe that these trials or convictions are likely to bring peace in the mining districts?

Mr. PARKER

That is a matter for argument.

Mr. SWAN

What does the hon. Gentle man mean by "unlawful assembly"?