HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1907-8
68. Mr. FIELD

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether every important public body in Dublin city has passed resolutions asking that the examining and receiving depot be at once established; and, seeing that it has been recommended by contractors, manufacturers, and the civil and military authorities, whether he can explain the cause of delay?

Mr. FORSTER

As I said in answer to the hon. Member for North Galway on the 14th instant, we are in communication with the Chief Secretary as to the extent to which we can co-operate in stimulating Irish industries and production, and the question of the receiving depot is included.

Mr. FIELD

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he expects to be able to give some kind of definite reply? This question has been on the Paper for the last two or three years.

Mr. FORSTER

I think that the discussion of this particular subject has extended over more like twenty years, but I hope to be in a position to give a definite reply before very long.

Mr. FIELD

Has not the hon. Gentleman himself had the question before him for two or three years? I want to-know what action he is going to take?