§ 11. Mr. DEVLINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to make any statement with regard to the placing of the whole of the departments in connection with the linen and textile trades in Belfast under the operation of the Trade Boards Act?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. George Roberts)I am not in a position to add to the answers already given to the hon. Member on this subject.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the hon. Gentleman say why he cannot give the information?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI know the question is receiving the serious consideration of the Department, and we are not without hope of being able to make a statement shortly.
§ 12. Mr. DEVLINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the necessity for the fullest possible information, so far as the workers are concerned, in connection with the Belfast linen trade, he will take steps to have an independent report supplied monthly to the "Board of Trade Gazette" by some person in whom the workers have confidence and who has a knowledge of their needs and conditions, and, if possible, that a report should be supplied also by a direct representative of the Irish Textile Workers' Union?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThe Textile Operatives' Society of Ireland already supply monthly information as to the state of employment in the linen trade to the local correspondent of the Board of Trade in Belfast, and the particulars are embodied by him in his report. The society may communicate direct with the Board if they prefer to do so.