§ 11. Mr. MacCAWasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Irish Sub-committee of the Flax Control Board on the 10th January to the effect that, in view of the probability of a great reduction having to be effected in working hours in the spinning and weaving trades in the North of Ireland owing to the failure of the supply of flax from Russia and the consequent hardships to workers, at least 80 per cent. of whom are females, the meeting urged on the Government the necessity of providing munitions or other work to keep workers employed; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ 15. General M'CALMONTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the large surplus of labour that must arise from the shortage of flax in Ireland in the future; and whether he is taking any steps to deal with the situation?
§ Mr. DUKEI am in communication with the Ministry of Munitions and other Departments with a view to minimising unemployment likely to be caused by a shortage of flax.