§ 35. Mr. DONALDasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship imposed on employés in the linen industry in 1789 the North of Ireland by stopping the out-of-work donation on these people who are out of work through no fault of theirs, but owing to the shortage of flax, particularly from Russia; and if he will take steps to meet this case by giving these people some temporary assistance?
§ Mr. WARDLEWith the exception of about 600 or 700 workpeople, the linen trade; operatives in the North of Ireland whose donation was stopped on 24th November were not out of a situation, but were working short time. In these circumstances I do not consider that it would be justifiable to give them further assistance out of public funds.
§ Sir E. CARSONAre the Government still controlling the price of flax?
§ Mr. WARDLEThat is a question I cannot answer.
Lieut.-Colonel ALLENWhat steps are being taken to get flax from Russia; we know there are very large quantities?
§ Mr. WARDLEThat question must be put to the appropriate Department.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODThe War Department?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe Peace Department!