HC Deb 19 June 1917 vol 94 cc1616-7
72. Mr. BYRNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what steps have been taken to avert a strike of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers on railway work in Ireland?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Conferences have taken place at the office of the Chief Industrial Commissioner yesterday and to-day, presided over by Sir Richard Lodge, between representatives of the Irish Railway Executive Committee and the Amalgamated Society of Engineers. As a result of these conferences an offer made by the Irish Railway Excutive Committee is to be submitted to the men at Dublin and Dundalk, and, if the terms of this offer are accepted, it is hoped that the unrest will be at an end and work resumed.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is there any reason why members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers in Ireland are not treated on the same level and basis as the members of the organisation in this country?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is there anything inferior in an Irishman?