§ Mr. DUFFY(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour if, 628 having regard to the serious set of conditions which have arisen at Whitehaven seriously affecting life and property, he will at once take steps to intervene in order to protect the interests of the workmen concerned and the citizens of Whitehaven generally?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI only received the hon. Member's question two minutes ago. I am aware that the condition of affairs at Whitehaven is a matter of anxiety. I am keeping in touch with the situation, so far as it affects the industrial matters in dispute. Questions as to the protection of the inhabitants of Whitehaven fall within the jurisdiction of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. DUFFYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the workmen concerned desire to be protected as well as the citizens, and that they are citizens of Whitehaven as well as anyone else? Having regard to the unfounded allegations which have been made to-day, I beg to give notice that I will draw attention to the matter on the Adjournment to-night.
§ Viscount CURZONHave the special constabulary been called out?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI am not sure whether that is a supplementary question or a statement. Perhaps we had better deal with the matter on the Adjournment.