11 MAY 1926
An official bulletin states that the arrangements for the distribution of milk, food, and petrol supplies were more successful yesterday than on any other day of the strike. It is pointed out that, while there are many individual cases of strikers of various trades and services returning to work, the general strike continues unabated throughout the whole of the country.
The measures taken by the Government for the maintenance of supplies, convoying, &c., were discussed in the House of Commons.
Complaint was made in the House of Commons that the Government had not paid sufficient attention to the peace suggestions of the Churches’ Conference at Lambeth, and that the British Gazette contained no reference to the appeal of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
In reply to Sir H. Slesser, who challenged Sir John Simon’s reading of the law in regard to strikes, the Attorney-General stated in the House of Commons that Sir John Simon had performed a great public service, but he (the Attorney-General) neither affirmed nor disputed that opinion—it was for the Courts to decide. The Courts would restrain by injunction any attempt to expel a member for disobeying an illegal order, or to deprive him of legal benefits. The Government had also given a guarantee that no expulsion or deprivation of benefits would be permitted as a result of refusing to take part in the strike.
A disastrous railway accident took place in Edinburgh, a passenger train dashing into a goods train which was being shunted. Three passengers were killed, and others were injured. The breaking of a gas pipe in the short tunnel in which the collision occurred added to the difficulties of rescue.
North of Newcastle, the “Flying Scotsman” from Edinburgh was derailed with three coaches. Only one passenger was injured. A gang of men are alleged to have removed the fish plates of the line.