§ 10. Mr. BYRNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has seen any of the protests made by the various trade unions against the action of the Dublin Port and Docks Board in reducing the wages of its employés, by stopping trade allowances which they had hitherto paid; if, in the interest of peace and to prevent labour troubles, he will have inquiries made as to the wages paid and the general working affairs of the Dublin Port and Docks; if he is aware that the standard rate of wages paid to labourers, most of them married men with families, is from 20s. to 22s. per week; and if he is aware that the Board of Trade Returns show that the cost of living has increased 50 per cent.?
Mr. RUNCIMANI was not aware of the protests to which the hon. Member refers. So far as the Board of Trade are concerned, I think they have no authority to hold an inquiry, such as is suggested, except in connection with specific differences between employers and employed which may be referred to them.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of discontent exists in Dublin among these workmen, and, seeing that the cost of food has increased by 50 per cent. and that the maximum wages earned by the average work- 2373 man does not exceed 22s., can he say how they can subsist and maintain their wives and families and educate their children?