Mr. T. WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware of the number of joiners and other skilled workmen in Belfast who are out of employment; and whether, with the object of utilising the labour of these men, his Department will place orders for articles or materials with firms in Belfast that are capable of executing them?
§ Mr. FORSTEREvery effort is being made to give Irish firms fuller opportunities for tendering, but owing to the difficulties of transport, they are not very favourably placed for supplying goods which need to be sent to England. The whole subject is being carefully watched.