§ 13. Mr. GRAHAMasked the Minister of Munitions whether a request has been made by the Urban District Council of Tullamore that the vacant prison at Tullamore be utilised for the manufacture of munitions of war; whether he is aware that owing to the prohibition of distilling, brewing, and malting, which were the sole industries of Tullamore, a number of men are now idle, principally middle-aged men with families depending upon them, and who suddenly find themselves practically destitute; and whether he can see his way to act on the suggestion of the urban district council with the least possible delay, in order that the present distress may be relieved?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Worthington Evans)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The building in question has been inspected by officials of the Department, and I regret to say has been found to be quite unsuitable for the manufacture of munitions.