§ 6. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour from what Employment Exchange or Exchanges the men and youths were engaged to take the place of those in dispute at a plywood works, Silvertown, arising from the introduction of the Bedeaux system at the works; whether the applicants were informed a dispute was in progress; and what were the rates of wages they were to receive?
Mr. HUDSONThe Canning Town Employment Exchange received from the firm notification of vacancies for skilled labourers, no rates of wages being specified, and brought this to the notice of men on the register, at the same time inform- 985 ing them, as required by the Regulations, that a dispute was in progress. The number of men engaged under this procedure was three.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not the duty of the manager of the Employment Exchange to take steps to inform men who are required, that a dispute is in progress?
Mr. HUDSONEach of the applicants signed the following statement:
It has been explained to me that there is a trade dispute in operation at Messrs. Venesta's, Ltd. of Silvertown and I desire to be submitted to a vacancy there.
§ 15. Mr. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of police detailed for duty at the Venesta Plywood Works, Silvertown, to escort the men who have taken the place of those in dispute from the works to Silvertown station; who is responsible for the cost incurred; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)The number of police detailed for this purpose on the 28th and 29th April was one inspector, three police sergeants, 30 police constables and two mounted police constables. On 1st May, owing to cases of assault and intimidation, this number was reinforced by the addition of two mounted men and two police cars. No special cost is involved, apart from the pay, travelling expenses and other charges in respect of the men which are borne in ordinary course by the Police Fund. With regard to the last part of the question, the police will give all necessary attention to the preservation of order and the enforcement of the law, and there is no occasion for action on my part.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it one of the duties of either the mounted police or the foot police to escort what they call the "Black stockings" in and out of the works; from their work to the railway station and vice versa?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROh, yes. It is the duty of the police to see that no conflicts take place which can be avoided.
§ Mr. THORNEAnd to march the men out of the works to the railway station?