HC Deb 31 July 1923 vol 167 cc1278-9
84. Mr. J. JONES

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that on Wednesday the 25th instant, at about 10.8 p.m., a meeting was being held at the corner of Beckton Road, Canning Town, of the dockers on strike and that, without any warning, a number of mounted police rode into the crowd and up and down the road, causing injuries among the crowd, women and children being ridden down; and if he will order an inquiry into the matter?

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Plaistow.

Mr. JONES

May I remind the hon. Gentleman that this has nothing to do with what happened at Plaistow? This is a totally different occurrence. One happened on Tuesday night and the other on Wednesday. Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to answer the second part of my question as to whether he will order an inquiry?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I do not think the hon. Gentleman can have seen the reply given yesterday. I have a copy here and will send it to him.

Mr. JONES

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply—[Interruption]—I am not going to sit in this House—I ask permission—

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I am quite prepared to read the answer given yesterday. I think it covers the hon. Member's question.

Mr. JONES

I want the answer to-day. I am not going to stand here and see—

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member will listen to the answer, he will see what it covers.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The answer given by my right hon. Friend was as follows: I am informed that about 4,000 persons had assembled in connection with the meeting to which the hon. Member refers. The police had reason to believe that a considerable proportion of those present were provided with stones and other missiles, and as the behaviour of the crowd towards the few police on duty was becoming very threatening, additional police were sent for. Shortly after 10 p.m., a small number of mounted police arrived, and the crowd, on seeing them, stampeded up side streets. The mounted police were stoned near Hermit Road and again near Rathbone Street, but no police drew or used their truncheons, and the crowd eventually dispersed by 11.30 p.m. The police appear to have acted in a very forbearing manner under considerable provocation, and I see no need for further inquiry into the incident."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 30th July, 1923; col. 1070, Col. 167.]

Mr. JONES

I beg to ask if I can raise this question on the Adjournment.

Mr. SPEAKER

It would be in order to raise it on the Consolidated Fund Bill to-day or to-morrow.

Mr. JONES

I will so raise it. The statement is not true.