HC Deb 15 February 1917 vol 90 cc822-3W
Mr. CLANCY

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been directed to the request made by the people and urban council of Kingstown, county of Dublin, for the establishment of a munitions factory in that town; whether amongst those applying for work in such an establishment are the women and other dependants of over a thousand men who have enlisted for service in the Army in the present War; whether he is aware that Kingstown is especially favourably situated for the export of munitions, and that the technical instruction committee of the district has expressed its readiness to co-operate in the manufacture of munitions by opening a class for semi-skilled workers if the same privileges and monetary assistance are given to them as have been granted to similar committees in England and Scotland; and whether a decision will be reached in this matter without delay in view of the existing want of remunerative employment, especially for girls, in Kingstown, and of the approach of a period of much greater distress in the near future?

Dr. ADDISON

I have been informed that the Kingstown Urban District Council are being approached on this matter by representatives of the Technical Instruction Committee and of the women workers. I regret that it is not possible to establish a munitions factory in Kingstown, but if the council are of opinion that the manufacture of munitions or other Government requirements could be carried out on existing plant in the town, I should be glad if they would send particulars to the district office of the Ministry in Dublin.