§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the military authorities in connection with the strike at the Army Ordnance Corps Clothing Stores, Godmanchester; whether he is aware that in consequence of two employés refusing to join the workers union, 363W after every reasonable effort had been made, the rest of the employés decided to discontinue work on the 6th June; that upon the strikers refusing to leave the premises soldiers armed with rifles and ball cartridges were brought in; that the presence of these soldiers had the effect of intimidating some of the workers; that the reason given for bringing in these armed soldiers was that the stores had to be protected; that such protection had never been required before; whether the War Office sanctioned this action; whether it is the custom of the War Office to sanction the calling in of armed troops in cases of trade disputes where no violence or breach of the Law is being resorted to, and where no requisition has been made by the civil authorities; and whether he will make full inquiry into this matter?
Captain GUESTI regret that in the time available it has not been possible to obtain the information necessary to answer this question, but I will communicate with my right hon. Friend as soon as possible.