Picketing

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 January 1979.

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Photo of Mr Joe Ashton Mr Joe Ashton , Bassetlaw 12:00, 25 January 1979

If the law was changed to ban secondary picketing, and the 135,000 drivers on strike decided deliberately to defy that ban, would the facilities be available to bring them to court, fine them, imprison them or enforce the law in any way? Is it not a fact that in 1971, when a few dockers were deliberately singled out and locked up, they had to be bailed out by the Government of the day sending for the Official Solicitor? Does not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that it would be absolutely disastrous to bring in a new law which could not be enforced?