§ Mr. NANNETTIasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn by a resolution from the Dublin Trades Council to an Order from his Department directing that the uniforms now supplied to the Irish Land Commission messengers should be made in England; and whether, in the interest of the Irish taxpayer and the Irish workman, he will see that all Government contracts for public Departments in Ireland will be given out in that country, where the work is to be used and paid for?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second, I see no reason to depart at the present time from the usual practice governing such cases.
§ Mr. NANNETTIAm I to understand that the Treasury have taken upon themselves to instruct the contractors in Ireland to send over to England for clothes to be worn by officials in Ireland?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI understand that the Treasury followed the usual practice.
§ Mr. NANNETTIDoes the hon. Gentleman seriously tell me that the Treasury have not interfered with the Irish Land Commission as to whom they should give contracts to in the interests of an English contracting firm?
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONIs this the result of the principles of Free Trade?
§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the custom of all public boards in Ireland, including the Board of Works, has been for years past to use Irish manufacture in making all public uniforms?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have nothing to add to my answer. I shall be glad to hear representations.
§ Mr. P. WHITEWill the hon. Gentleman make inquiries?
§ Mr. NANNETTIIs the hon. Gentleman aware that under the late Government, when the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the City (Mr. Balfour) was Leader, that the question was brought before him 999 with reference to the making of soldiers' clothes for which an Order had been given to send to London, and that the Government of the day condemned that Order; and will he see that this is condemned in the present case?