MR. O'KEEFFE (Limerick)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if, having regard to the Resolution of the House of Commons, dated 13th February, 1891, that in all Government contracts every effort should be made to secure the current wages for competent workmen, he will direct that the operation of this Resolution be put in force in Ireland; and if specific instances, whereby the effect and benefit of this Resolution have not been observed in Ireland, are brought under his notice, he will, in the interest of the parties concerned, direct the carrying out of said Resolution?
MR. J. MORLEYAt the request of my right hon. Friend I shall reply to this question. As I have frequently stated, steps have already been taken to give effect to the Resolution in question in the case of all Government contracts in Ireland; and the Government are not aware that the provisions of the Resolution, in its application to such contracts, are infringed. If, however, the hon. Member will bring under my notice specific instances in which it is believed the Resolution is not complied with, I shall have immediate inquiry made into the matter.