§ * MR. J. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)I beg to ask the Vice - President of he Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the Government intends to introduce legislation for the defence of the interests of the land-loom weavers in County Down.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLThe Irish hand-looms weavers have asked that it should be made mandatory that the products of Irish damask hand-looms should have woven into them the words "Irish Hand Woven Linen Damask." The selling as Irish hand-woven damask, or goods not coming under that description would constitute a presumptive offence under the existing Merchandise Marks Acts. The matter is now under consideration.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)Has this action by the hon. Member anything to do with the issue of the writ for West Down?
§ * MR. J. MACVEAGHThe suggestion that the Question was put down by me in view of that election is a reflection on my intelligence. I desire to state in the most emphatic manner that I do not take the slightest interest in the domestic differences of the Ulester Unionist deadheads.
CAPTAIN CRAIGHave not the Unionist Party been in correspondence with the President of the Board of Trade on this question since August last, and are they not still awaiting an answer?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI am not aware of it.
§ MR. SLOANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Countess of Aberdeen in a speech in the North of Ireland expressed a hope that the Government would legislate on this question? And will the Government give its assistance to pass the Bill brought in by a private Member?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLwas understood to say lie would be glad to see a Bill introduced.