§ 2.46 p.m.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, I should like to ask the Leader of the House a private notice question of which I gave him notice yesterday—namely, whether His Majesty's Government propose to take steps against the leaders of the recent gas strike under Section four of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875, under which men engaged in the supply of water and gas who break a contract of service so as to endanger supplies are guilty of misdemeanour under that Act and liable to punishments specified therein.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, I am surprised that the noble Lord should misuse the usual practice of this House by putting a private notice question, in present circumstances, in this form, notwith 68 standing that I pointed that out to him by letter. I received notice of this only last night. I have had no opportunity of consulting the Minister on the matter, and I have no statement to make.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, while thanking the noble Viscount for his courteous reply, may I say that I did give him notice last night, and that I do not see why I should come under his lash as regards abuse of procedure as what I am doing is perfectly within the practice in this House? I thank him for his answer and I hope we may have further information on this subject in this House or in another place in the not distant future.