§ Mr. NANNETTIasked the Postmaster-General whether he can state the number of postmen and telegraph messengers now employed by the Post Office in Ireland; whether any contracts for the supply of clothing, caps, boots, etc., are placed in that country; if so, can he give the names of the contractors; and, if not, will he say why a portion of these orders is not placed in Ireland?
§ Mr. BUXTONUniforms are supplied to 7,450 postmen and 1,362 telegraph messengers employed in Ireland and the whole of the uniform clothing needed in Ireland is made by two Irish firms, namely, Messrs. J. Ireland and Son and the Limerick Clothing Factory. Three Irish firms tendered for the supply of boots, but at prices too high for acceptance; and of several Irish firms asked to tender for caps and waterproofs none replied.
§ Mr. NANNETTIIs it not the fact that the tenders for boots with samples were sent over to this country, and that a few years ago they were sent to the local stores in Dublin when there was an opportunity of the contracts being made in the country?
§ Mr. BUXTONI am not aware of that fact. For some time past at all events, again reverting to the old custom, I think it has been necessary to send them to London, and I should think it more convenient, because the various specimens can be compared, but I will look into that point.
§ Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGHWhen will the Report of the Departmental Committee, which the right hon. Gentleman appointed to consider the question of Post Office stores in Ireland, be available?
§ Mr. BUXTONI will make inquiry.