19 NOVEMBER 1910, Page 3

Mr. Churchill in reply reminded Mr. Keir Hardie that while

the rights of the miners to use the powers of peaceful persuasion sanctioned by Parliament would be respected, a determined attempt had been made to break into the power-houses and stop the machinery. He took full responsibility for his intervention in stopping the military, and held that they should be kept in reserve until the situation had become so serious that it was clear that police methods could no longer be of any avail. Such a policy would have to be continued while the period of dangerous tension was maintained. The cost of the police, he explained, would not fall on the London rates, but would be paid by the local authorities, though the Exchequer might assist.