Mr. CLEMENT EDWARDSasked the Home Secretary whether the terms have been arrived at between the Cambrian combine and its men in the Rhondda Valley for the settlement of their prolonged dispute; and, if so, whether he will now consider the advisability of recommending a full and exhaustive inquiry into the charges against the police and the incidents of the dispute?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed that provisional terms of settlement were arrived at on Monday at the meeting of representatives of the South Wales Coal-owners' Association and of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, but the terms have not been published, pending consideration by various other associations and parties. Some of the complaints made against the police have already been investigated by the courts, and the courts are the proper authority to investigate the other charges if they have any substantial foundation. I recognise that innocent persons must sometimes be hurt if they get mixed up in such scenes of not and violence as occurred in the Rhondda, Valley; but I fail to find in the statements which have been made to me anything that would justify me in ordering a special inquiry into the conduct of the police, who, I am satisfied, performed difficult and dangerous duties with courage and moderation.