§ 21. Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware of the condition of those engaged in the building trade in Dublin; if he is aware that these circumstances have been brought about by the action of the Government in refusing to grant facilities for the obtaining of the necessary materials for the rebuilding of the destroyed area of the city; and if he will cause instructions to be issued for the supply of materials to enable owners of destroyed property to rebuild their premises'?
§ Mr. DUKEI am aware of the desirability of stimulating employment in Dublin. The Government has not refused facilities for obtaining the materials for rebuilding the destroyed area of the city. The Minister of Munitions promised some time since to give all practicable facilities, and I am glad to see it stated in a leading journal in Dublin that: "The good will of the Minister of Munitions has been demonstrated, not only by his good offices in allotting to Dublin a quantity of steel for building purposes, but by his securing it at a remarkably favourable price." I regret that the hon. Member thinks fit by this and other questions in the House to impute to the Government malevolent intentions with regard to the Irish metropolis which do not in fact exist.
§ Mr. BYRNEIf it were not for questions in this House the builders of Dublin would be left without materials, and that is well known to the right hon. Gentleman.