HC Deb 09 January 1913 vol 46 c1370
71. Mr. DEVLIN

asked what steps, if any, have been taken by the Board of Trade to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into the conditions of employment in the linen and other making-up trades of the North of Ireland?

Captain CRAIG

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask him whether he is aware that the Committee of Inquiry was a perfect farce; that they knew nothing whatever about the industry in Belfast, and nobody paid the slightest attention to them; and whether he thinks it fair that the Board over which the right hon. Gentleman presides should take any notice whatever of the recommendations of such a Committee?

Mr. GULLAND

I can only answer the question on the Paper. Preliminary inquiries are being made as to the trades which may most suitably be included in the contemplated Provisional Order extending the scope of the Trade Boards Act. In this connection careful consideration is being given to the recommendations of the Committee to which my hon. Friend refers.

Captain CRAIG

I think the hon. Gentleman said he could only answer the question on the Paper. Why is he paying such attention to the Report, when the Committee was of the nature I described?

Mr. GULLAND

If a Committee makes a Report it should have that Report at-tended to.