§ DR. TANNERI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the gunpowder barrels used at Ballincollig (County Cork) Powder Mills are all imported from English Government factories; and whether he is aware that such importation has thrown out of work a large number of the Ballincollig coopers? And I would further ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that this question intimately affects ten families, including 108 persons?
§ * MR. BRODRICKPowder barrels have up to this time been issued from Government stores to the Ballincollig Mills, as in the case of all contract powder received from mills in England and Scotland. No change has been made which could cause the throwing out of work of coopers at Ballincollig. I may perhaps add that, judging from certain samples which have been forwarded from Ballincollig, there will be no objection to give the Company an opportunity, if they obtain further contracts for powder, to quote a price for barrels as well.
§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)I would ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that that promise was made two years ago, and I would ask him how it comes to pass that it has not been carried into effect, but has remained in abeyance for upwards of two years?
§ * MR. BRODRICKI was not aware that such a promise had been made; but samples have been obtained, and the hon. Gentleman may rest assured that the promise will be carried out.