§ 38. Mr. FIELDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that out of 1,369 military contracts only twenty-four were placed in Ireland, or a percentage of 1.27; whether the same facilities for tenders and equal advertisements for articles manufactured in Ireland are afforded to Irish contractors as those given to British contractors; whether he is aware that the absence of an examining and receiving depot in Dublin, as sanctioned by the local military authorities, contributes to this disparity of custom; and whether he pro poses to take any action in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONSo far as he Ministry of Munitions is concerned, the policy followed is one of equal treatment of all parts of the United Kingdom, and every endeavour has been made to make the best use of the engineering resources of Ireland as of other parts of the United Kingdom. A depot has been established in Dublin for the reception and examination of supplies ordered by the Minister of Munitions. If the hon. Member refers to contracts placed by the War Office, his question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War.