§ 40. Mr. DEVLINasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of men who were employed during the period of the War as temporary postmen in Belfast have been discharged since the cessation of hostilities to make room for returned soldiers; whether these men have been signing at the Labour Exchange for a number of weeks, but have not yet received any out-of-work donations; and whether he will now take steps to have them paid the unemployment grant?
§ Sir R. HORNEFor the reasons explained in the reply to the hon. Member's previous question, temporary postmen do not come within the scope of the Out-of-Work Donation Scheme in Ireland. The question whether it should be extended so as to include them is under consideration.
§ Mr. DEVLINDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it is desirable to drive these men out of employment and then refuse them the rights given to other workers by the State?
§ Sir R. HORNEAs the hon. Member puts his question, I do not think so, but this is a matter for the Lord Lieutenant to deal with.
§ Mr. DEVLINIf that is the case, then I must appeal to the right hon. Gentleman. We have no confidence whatever in the Lord Lieutenant. I want to ask the right hon. Gentleman, who has always displayed great sympathy in this matter, to take it in hand and deal with it himself, as it is within his Department.
§ Sir R. HORNEThe matter as one which must be dealt with by the Lord Lieutenant, and I have no doubt he will act under guidance.
§ Captain REDMONDDoes that mean that we have no control over it in this House?
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that if the Lord Lieutenant does not give satisfaction we cannot discuss the matter in this House, and, as the right hon. Gentleman has always dealt with these matters, and as he rightly leaves himself open to criticism by Members of this House, will he promise to deal with this matter himself?
§ Sir R. HORNEI shall deal with all matters that are relevant to ray Department.
§ Mr. DEVLINHas this question not always been within the Department of the right hon. Gentleman. This is the first time we have ever heard that the Lord Lieutenant has anything to do with it.
§ Sir R. HORNEMy hon. Friend very well understands, in connection with these matters, that the Lord Lieutenant acts under advice, and the question is for the Irish Government guided by proper advisers.
§ Captain REDMONDWhere is the Irish Government?
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord Lieutenant never heard of this matter and never will hear of it?