“STICK TO THE TRUTH”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 34, 3 May 1927, Page 9

“STICK TO THE TRUTH”

WILD SCENES IN COMMONS TRADE UNION BILL BEFORE HOUSE There were wild scenes in the House of Commons when the second reading of the Trade Union Bill was moved. Labour interjections were frequent and several members were threatened with expulsion.

Reed. 8.45 a.m. LONDON. Monday. The Rt. Hon. Sir Douglas Hogg (Conservative), before a full House crowded in the Peers’ and Strangers’ galleries, moved the second reading of the- Trade Union Bill. He said the main principles were, firstly, that a general strike was illegal, and nobody should be penalised for refusal to participate in one. Secondly, that intimidations to make a man leave work were illegal. Thirdly, that nobody should be compelled to subscribe to the funds of any political party unless he desired to do so. Fourthly, that civil servants must give full allegiance to the State. Sir Douglas asked: "Is anyone prepared to assert that any of these propositions is wrong?” Mr. Jack Jones (Labour) shouted: “Yes,” amid Labour interruptions. Mr. Jones remained standing. The Speaker interjected: “I may as well tell you that unless you are willing to listen to the debate you will not be present to participate in it." Mr. Jones cried: “I do not care. You can chuck me out now if you like.” Amid frequent interruptions Sir Douglas went on to deal with the illegality of last year’s general strike and Mr. Justice Astbury’s decision. Mr. J. H. Thomas (Labour): Is it not a fact that Juage Astbury never had the question of the general strike

before him? Sir Douglas: I think you are mistaken. STICK TO THE TRUTH Mr. Will Thorne (Labour) : Stick to the truth; you are telling lies all through. The Speaker: If you cannot control yourself you must not remain in the House. Mr. Thorne: Then let him keep to the truth. The mover contended that a large section of the Labourites still regarded a general strike as a weapon and intended to use it in future like an Edison Bell record. It was the Government’s duty to clear up beyond possibility of doubt, that a general strike was illegal. Sympathetic strikes remained legal if directed against the employers and not against the State and the community. The only reason general lock-outs were not included in the clause deal ing with general strikes was that the former were never likely to happen. If it did the Government had power under the Emergency Acts to take over w T orks. Though a general strike was hard to define he knew one when he saw it. Labour interruptions increased, and the Speaker threatened several members with expulsion.—A. and N.Z.Sun.