§ 30. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the treatment of ex-service men at the hands of rebels in Southern Ireland, resulting in the refusal of employment, and causing great distress to these men and their families; whether he can state the number of ex-service men who have been provided with employment under the special grant recently made for public works in Ireland; and whether he will confer with other public Departments in Ireland with a view to ensuring that, as far as possible, ex-service men shall be given a preference for employment in all works undertaken by these Departments, and that all contracts for public works shall contain a clause binding the contractors to give such preference?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have no precise information on the points raised by my hon. and learned Friend. I am, however, obtaining a report from the Irish Department of the Ministry of Labour, and will communicate further with my hon. and learned Friend.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERCan the right hon. Gentleman not give any of the details asked for?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo. I would rather get them direct.