HC Deb 26 April 1937 vol 323 cc31-3
Mr. E. Dunn

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the grave breaches of the peace which have occurred at Harworth, and the probability of further outbreaks, he will take immediate steps to institute an inquiry to ascertain how best to restore and maintain public order.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Simon)

I have only seen the text of this question since the House met, but will give the best answer I can. The area, of course, is not one for the policing of which the Home Secretary is responsible, but on making inquiry this morning, the Home Office was informed by the chief constable that local conditions were normal to-day.

Mr. Dunn

Is the Home Secretary aware that the provocation which has been caused during the last few days at Harworth has really been due to the action of the men who are already at work together with the police assisting them?

Mr. Bellenger

Is the Home Secretary aware that the position at Harworth is rapidly becoming intolerable; and, in view of the statements against the impartiality of the police that have been made by responsible observers, will he investigate the position as regards police methods at Harworth?

Sir J. Simon

I have given the House the information which is available to me at the Home Office to-day. No doubt I shall get further reports. I do not think I can be expected to make any further statement now.

Mr. T. Williams

Has the Home Secretary any information indicating how many persons have been injured, whether among those presently employed, those who are disengaged, or the police; or what information has the Home Secretary in his possession?

Mr. Speaker

The Home Secretary has said that he only received notice of this question since the House met, so he cannot be expected to have all the information.

Mr. Williams

In view of the fact that there is a feeling locally that those who are at present working were responsible for the disturbance, will the Home Secretary invite the chief of police for the County of Nottingham to institute an inquiry at once, since all sections of the community need nothing more than peace?

Sir J. Simon

I could not, of course, undertake to do that. As I have said, I have given the information that I have about the situation to-day, and no doubt I shall get reports.

Mr. Lawson

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices actively in this matter? Is he aware that those of us who have known such conditions and have engaged in strikes have never known anything like the hostility that there is between the public and the police in Harworth?

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

The Home Secretary has given all the information that he can.