§ Mr. LOGAN(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the recent civil disturbances in Birkenhead and Liverpool arising out of unemployed demonstrations, and whether he is instituting inquiries with a view to avoiding further clashes between civilians and the police?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)I am aware of the disturbances to which the hon. Member refers, but as at present advised I see no occasion for any inquiry on my part.
§ Mr. LOGANAm I to understand that these troubles have arisen in regard to transitional benefit and on account of the poverty of the people, and that nothing is to be done to avoid clashes with the police when these people are taking up a justifiable attitude in regard to public demonstrations?
Viscountess ASTORBefore the Minister answers, may I ask whether he thinks it wise for Ministers in former Governments, who refused to see the unemployed when they themselves were in power, to advise these men to go on agitating?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESHas the right hon. Gentleman actually called for a report from the chief constable of Liverpool on these disturbances?
§ Sir J GILMOURThe hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware that the police in the boroughs are controlled by watch committees, and any complaint must be made, in the first instance, to the watch committee.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to tell the House whether it is within the power of the Home Office to call for a report from the chief constable in cases of serious disturbance?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I have already said, as at present advised, there is no necessity for my taking action.
§ Mr. MAXTONCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us if the police in the various districts who have been batoning unemployed have been doing it under the instructions of the Home Office?
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the city of Belfast the Government—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question does not refer to Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. DEVLINWell, I will ask the question in a form in which, perhaps, it may be useful. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain districts in these islands—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question relates to disturbances in Birkenhead and Liverpool.