§ 63. Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland' whether he has yet made direct inquiry of the trade unions in Belfast with reference to the present condition of the female workers in that city consequent upon low wages, increased food prices, and unemployment; whether he has inquired, amongst others, of the secretary of the Women's Textile Workers' Union; and if he will now state the result of his inquiries?
§ Mr. DUKEVarious officials of trades unions in Belfast, including Miss Galway, the secretary of the Women's Textile Workers' Union, were amongst the persons consulted before my reply of Tuesday last. From Miss Galway's statement it appears that where women workers rely exclusively on their own resources there is some distress owing to the high prices of food. Most of the female workers, however, have men in their families or are in receipt of separation allowances. The general position of affairs in Belfast is, I am informed, better than normal.