Orders of the Day — Trade Union Ballot Bill.

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 23 April 1920.

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Photo of Mr John Guest Mr John Guest , Hemsworth

I would not have risen had it not been that this Debate has been made the occasion for an attack on the society of which I am a member. The hon. Member for East Bradford (Captain Loseby) was understood to say that the hon. Member for the Don Valley (Mr. Walton) was expelled from the Yorkshire Miners' Association for three reasons. The hon. Member for East Bradford was understood to say that the hon. Member for the Don Valley had four sons serving during the War, and that that was one of the reasons. It is a matter on which it is difficult to speak calmly. The Yorkshire Miners' Association has not the slightest reason to be ashamed of its record during the War. If there is one thing of which it may be more proud than of another, it is that the lads from our own Association gave their services during the War, and that those who remained at home backed them up. Over 30,000 of our members gave service during the War, and over 5,000 of them gave their lives. For it to be said in this House that we dismembered a prominent member or refused to take his contribution because he had four sons who served in the War, is a direct libel. It is a calumny.