HC Deb 01 February 1940 vol 356 cc1248-9
61. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to amend the Emergency Powers (Defence) Regulations, Nos. 12 to 15, concerning protected places, with a view to ensuring that nothing in these regulations shall be operated to prevent duly-accredited trade union officials from entering the protected places or their vicinity while engaged on trade union business, and that nothing in the regulations shall be used to make peaceful picketing in the vicinity of protected places an offence?

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

The provisions in the Defence Regulations for the control of access to premises where special precautions are needed in time of war are directed to security objects; and it is well understood by those concerned that it would be entirely wrong to interpret them as if they were intended to interfere with legitimate trade union activities. I do not think any amendment of the Regulations is called for, but if the hon. Member knows of any case in which it is suggested that such activities have been hampered, I shall be glad, on receipt of particulars, to look into the matter.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware of the fact that the Regulations, if interpreted in the way they are being interpreted, can prevent such activities from being carried out, and that there have beer certain complaints already as to the difficulties experienced in carrying on the work of trade unions?