§ 38. Mr. BOLANDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the statement in the recent British Consular Report of trade in the Aleppo villayet that the agent of an Irish firm employs several hundred women and girls at Aintab in the working by hand 522 of linen handkerchiefs and, lacework, some of which is very fine, for sale mostly in America; whether he is aware that a quantity of so-called Irish lace of inferior workmanship is sold in America to the detriment of the reputation of the genuine article; whether he will make inquiries as to whether this Aintab variety is consigned to America as Irish lace or is consigned in the first place to the firm in Ireland, which employs an agent at Aintab, and thence sent to America as the genuine Irish product; and whether representations will be made to the United States authorities with a view to exposing the real origin of this pseudo-Irish lace?
Mr. BUXTONHis Majesty's Consul at Aleppo has been asked to furnish such further information on the subject as he may be able to obtain, and perhaps my hon. Friend will communicate to me any information in his possession which may throw light upon the question. On receipt of this information, I will consider whether there is sufficient ground for calling the attention of the United States authorities, to the matter.