§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the advertisement inviting tenders for the supply of cloth, tartan, tweed, etc., for the Royal Irish Constabulary, in which it is stated that patterns and specifications of the various kinds of materials can be inspected at the Royal Army Clothing Department, Gros-venor-road, London, and the Chambers of Commerce at Bradford, Galashiels, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, and Bristol; why no mention is made of the Dublin or Belfast Chambers of Commerce; and whether he will take steps to ensure that Irish firms are given facilities for tendering for materials required by the Royal Irish Constabulary?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Cherry)My right hon. Friend has already pointed out in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Kilkenny, on 25th October last, that there would be no increase of convenience to intending contractors in having patterns and specifications left at the Chamber of Commerce in Dublin, as they can be inspected at the office of the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary, which is close by. The contracts for 1910 have already been made, but as regards future years the constabulary authorities see no objection 10 to furnishing the patterns to the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, and they understand that the Chamber is willing to receive and exhibit them. Instructions have been given that this shall be done.
§ Mr. LONSDALEDoes that apply to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce?
§ Mr. CHERRYIt is not necessary, because the head office is so close and it is quite sufficient to have it there.
§ Mr. CHERRYThe only reason why Belfast was excluded was because it was not considered likely that contractors in Belfast would tender. There is no clothing manufacture of the kind in Belfast.
§ Mr. CHERRYBecause Belfast seems to wish it.