§ MR. M. AUSTIN (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what steps have been taken, if any, in remedying the evils complained of in connection with Government printing work in Ireland?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI have seen no evidence that the terms of the Resolution of the House of Commons of February 13, 1891, have been infringed by the contractors for Government printing in Ireland; but the same precautious are taken in Ireland as in England for enforcing that Resolution and for ensuring that no preference shall be given as between Unionists and non-Unionists.
§ MR. M. AUSTINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Admiralty Department in Ireland have acted upon the terms of the Resolution? Why cannot the same course be taken by the Treasury Department?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI can only repeat that if the hon. Member can indicate any cases in which the terms of the Resolution of the House of Commons are not complied with notice will be taken of them.
§ MR. M. AUSTINBut is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the early part of this Session the matter was brought under his notice, and he promised to make inquiry then? Yet the wages paid are still under the current rates, and an excessive number of boys are employed, the number being far in 95 excess of that allowed by any Trades Union in the United Kingdom.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTIf the hon. Member will give me particulars I will promise to consider them.
§ MR. M. AUSTINI have already supplied the right hon. Gentleman with the information.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI cannot say what the Admiralty have done.