§ Mr. JOHN GUEST(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on Friday last about 11 p.m. several small groups of men and boys who along with others had been visiting the coal outcrop workings at Wooley Edge, near Wakefield, in order to persuade the men to cease working, were followed by the police in motor cars and brutally assaulted and batoned whilst on their way home; that some of them were held and beaten by the police so as to require medical attention; that there had been no violence or damage of any kind; that the various assaults were made by the police after the gathering had broken up upon men who had travelled more steadily, but who were at the nearest point beyond half a mile from the workings, and in other cases one and a quarter to one and a half miles away; that this unprovoked attack without warning of any kind upon a body of men whose conduct throughout the stoppage has been exemplary is causing great indignation and grave unrest, and that there is danger of serious disorder arising unless something is done speedily to restore confidence; and if he will arrange for a full and impartial inquiry to be made at an early date?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have, made inquiry regarding this incident, and I cannot accept my hon. Friend's account of what 2158 took place. I am informed by the Chief Constable that a crowd of from 400 to 500 men, most of whom were armed with hedge-stakes or other implements, had gathered round the workings shortly before midnight, and that, in view of their threats and their refusing to disperse when called upon to do so, the police were compelled to take steps to disperse them, and clear the roads in the vicinity The only charge that took place was within a short distance of the workings, and batons were not used on the roads half a mile or more away, as my hon. Friend suggests. I see no occasion for further inquiry or any action on my part.
§ Mr. GUESTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that previous to putting this question down I made the most careful personal inquiries as to the facts? I visited Royston and saw some of the men who had been assaulted; is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on Monday morning I was over the roads and saw the places where these alleged assaults took place; and is he aware that I visited the outcrop workings and I am entirely satisfied that there are substantial grounds for the points in my question which are matters of fact? That being so and there being such a discrepancy between my statement and the statement of the police, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it desirable that there should be an inquiry in order to clear the police of this unfounded charge if it is untrue, or, if it is not, to bring them to justice?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir; I do not think it is necessary to do that.
§ Mr. LUNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this crowd which met last Friday evening held a meeting and appointed a deputation which met the owner of this small colliery and came to an agreement which was signed between the parties that the working should stop, and that they were quietly leaving the place when they were met by police who had been speedily sent over and were batoned by the police who had no knowledge of the agreement that had been come to, although the people were quietly going home? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that in regard to a matter like this in a mining district there should be a full inquiry so that these things can be cleared up seeing the peaceful nature in which the lock-out has been carried on throughout the whole of the time?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not a fact that similar conditions to these have been prevailing in all parts of the country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question was only allowed to be put as a special question after time, in order to get certain information. I must point out that the police, except in London, are not under the control of the right hon. Gentleman. Therefore it is a matter for local inquiries. I allowed this question so that the facts might be stated, but it cannot be argued.
§ Mr. LAWSONHas the Chief Constable of this area expressed himself in regard to the conduct of the men in that area during the prevalence of the stoppage as other Chief Constables have done?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat may be so, but that would not reach the Home Secretary. The report would go to the people who control the police, and are responsible for them, namely, the local joint committees.