§ MR. M'CARTAN(for Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he will obtain from the Constabulary in Belfast, and communicate to the House, and report on the cause and extent of the existing strike among the shipyard employés, and the probable effect of its prolonged duration upon the peace and order of the town? In connection with the Question, I would also ask, whether the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that there appeared in the Belfast morning papers of yesterday a letter from Mr. M'Blain, member of a large shipbuilding firm, in which he states that 19–20ths of the workmen at present on strike are sober, industrious, and regular in their hours of work, and that it is a serious grievance to them not to receive their wages weekly?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: Sir, I have not seen the letter referred to. With regard to the Question on the Paper, it appears that the only subject in dispute is a demand on the part of the workmen to be paid their wages weekly instead of fortnightly, as at present. There are about 6,000 workmen concerned in the movement.