§ Mr. MAURICE HEALYasked the Secretary of State for War whether on the arrival at Kinsale on the 3rd February last, from service abroad, of the 1st Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment, trading passes hitherto usually granted to two clothiers from 'Cork and Kinsale, etc., to enter the barracks with a view to obtaining orders for the supply of civilian clothes to the men about going on furlough or leaving the Army, were refused, and the sole right to enter the barracks as clothiers granted to an English firm, Messrs. Patterson and Company, Alder-shot; whether Messrs. Patterson were also allowed the use of a large room inside the barracks to show their goods; who is responsible for permitting this English firm to use the barrack store as an outfitting shop and refusing the right of entry to Irish firms; and whether any consideration was given for the privilege granted to Messrs. Patterson.
§ Mr. HALDANEBefore the regiment left India certain contractors wrote to the officer commanding the battalion for permission to sell civilian clothing to the non-commissioned officers and men going on furlough, and to the reserve on their arrival in Ireland. After the comparison of estimates, Messrs. Patterson and Co. were selected. As this firm had obtained the contract, passes to other clothiers were refused. The firm was allowed to use a shed which they fitted up with a temporary counter and shelves. The officer commanding the battalion is responsible for the arrangements. No consideration was given by the firm in question.
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