HC Deb 12 April 1927 vol 205 c196
90. Mr. BATEY

asked the Home Secretary the number of persons convicted of contravening the law as to peaceful picketing during the coal dispute last year?

Sir H. BARNSTON

Such contraventions were dealt with under various provisions of the law, and the only separate particulars that my right hon. Friend can give relate to convictions for offences under Section 7 of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875 (in most cases intimidation). The number of persons so convicted was 659.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that there were no persons convicted for peaceful picketing during the coal dispute?

Sir H. BARNSTON

I should require notice of that question.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Can the hon. Baronet say whether there was a single prosecution brought which failed owing to the inadequacy of the law rather than owing to the inadequacy of the evidence?

Sir H. BARNSTON

I should like notice of that question also.