§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will appoint a small committee of manufacturers and hand-loom weavers to inquire and report whether it is desirable to mark Irish hand-woven damasks in such a way as to protect this home industry, with a view to early legislation on the subject.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY,) DevonportThe Board of Trade see no reason why the manufacturers and hand-loom weavers should not confer together with regard to the establishment of a recognised mark for Irish hand-woven damasks in such a way as to indicate their Irish origin. If, however, the hon. Member wishes to suggest compulsory legislation for the purpose, I must point out that no inquiry with a view to the compulsory marking of home products could be limited to a single article of trade.
§ CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence to secure that the words "Irish hand-woven" are worked into the damasks, and thus help to restore the industry of Ireland?
§ *MR. SPEAKERNotice should be given of that.