§ 88. Mr. MOOREasked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware that in certain districts of Ulster where bleaching, finishing, and dyeing industries are established the firms concerned are faced with the prospect of closing down, thereby causing unemployment and distress among; the workers owing to the decision of the English railway companies or those controlling them to only carry small parcels of cotton goods from Manchester on two; days in each week; and if he will take action to secure that facilities will be granted to ensure carriage from Man-Chester of so much stuffs as will keep the works in employment?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am forwarding to the hon. and learned Member a copy of a letter from the Railway Executive Committee, in which they explain that owing to the exceptional quantity of Government; traffic passing to Belfast it is necessary to restrict other traffic from time to time. The importance of the cotton traffic is fully recognised, and it is slated that the best; possible service under the circumstances is being given to it.
§ Mr. MOOREMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman, considering that the livelihood of so many workers depend upon this, to see that additional facilities are given so that the works are not closed down?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe widest facilities will be given, consistent, of course, with the services which must be rendered by the railway companies to the Admiralty and the War Office.
§ Mr. MOOREDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise what a serious thing it is to have the whole of an industrial population thrust into unemployment?