§ Mr. MOONEYI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he is aware that, owing to a wages dispute with the sailors and firemen of the Dundalk and Newry Steam Packet Company, the company have withdrawn their regular services from Newry to Liverpool and Ardrossan, thereby causing serious consequences to traders and the general public; and whether the Board of Trade can take action in the matter by way of arbitration or otherwise?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)We have no special information on the matter, but the good offices of the Board of Trade are at the disposal of the parties if they desire to avail themselves of them.
§ Mr. MOONEYDo I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that the Board of Trade can only intervene if both parties ask them?
§ Mr. ROBERTSONThat is so.