HC Deb 07 March 1892 vol 2 cc161-2
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Monaghan, N.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will give the name of the Irish lady appointed on the Subcommittee of the Labour Commission; whether she has had connection as an employer, or otherwise, with any branch manufactory at which women are employed in Ireland; and, if so, what industry; and what are her general qualifications to represent Ireland?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

I hear that the lady appointed on the Sub-Committee of the Labour Commission is Miss Mary Abraham. I understand she was not connected with any branch of manufacture, either as employee or otherwise, at which women are employed in Ireland. In making the selection, exclusive knowledge of one industry would not be considered sufficient. What was wanted was general knowledge.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

Have not some of them been chosen in consequence of their knowledge in some one branch of industry?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not know. Evidently, an exclusive knowledge of one industry would not be a qualification for what would require a general knowledge.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

But has this lady any knowledge of Ireland?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I presume that in the opinion of the Commissioners she has sufficient information.