STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BRITAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 June 1948, Page 5

STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BRITAIN

Government Takes Wide Power To Cope With Dock Strike (N.Z.P.A—Copyright.) Recd. 11.10p.m. London, June 29. His Majesty’s Ministers yesterday advised him to declare a state of Emergency in the United Kingdom because of the dock strike, and the King signed the necessary proclamation. Mr. Attlee, announcing the emergency action in the House of Commons this afternoon, said the necessary Order-in-Council would give the Government powers to do whatever was necessary to maintain essential food supplies. It is the first declared emergency in Britain since the general strike since 1926. It is emphasised in London that in proclaiming the state of emergency the Government have availed themselves of the most drastic powers which Parliament has placed in the hands of the executive.

They are powers designed for use only in the case of extreme peril to the life of the community and confer upon the Government authority to empioy, by Order-in-Council, whatever measures they deem necessary to maintain essential services.

They can requisition accommodation in or near the docks for troops, and seize the warehouses for storage. Power to direct civilian labour to the docks and canals is taken, but the “Daily Herald’’ says the Government will not use such powers unless forced to do so. They still hope that the men will return to work for their grievances to be investigated. The “Daily Mail’s political correspondent says the Government's policy is precautionary. They do not intend that the country shall be held to ransom. At the same time they hope that a show of strength may produce a reaction of reason. The correspondent adds that one of the reasons for the sudden decision to proclaim a state of emergency was that the Government felt that subversive political elements were at work which might attempt to disrupt other vital services. The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee) has asked the Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs), who is in California attending the International Labour Organisation meeting, to return to London immediately by air.

Twelve hundred Southampton dockers decided, by an overwhelming majority, against strike action. The London strike committee has called ail London port workers, including lightermen, to a jnass meeting today to hear a report on all negotiations to settle the dispute. Mr. Attlee, in the House of Commons, said that meat ships were being discharged to inaintain the largest possible proportion of carcase meat for the population in this week’s and next week’s ration. Bacon and butter were also being discharged, Other food cargoes in port would have to be moved to avoid a breakdown of other foodstuffs. The stoppage has extended to Liverpool and Birkenhead, where 4000 and 16.000 dockers were striking. Full use would be made of further servicemen to maintain the people’s economic life. Mr. Attlee added that an irresponsible action of a section of workers was gravely injuring the nation. The Privv Council met at the Palace of Holvrood House, Edinburgh, to witness His Majesty’s signing of the proclamation. Their Majesties are visiting Scotland. Earlier, the unofficial strike committee decided to declare the Port of London black and proclaimed that anyone who handled cargo in the port which would have been handled by the strikers would be considered a blackleg. A dock official stated that 160 ships were idle in the Thames ar»l two ships were working, but were undermanned.