§ Mr. FIELDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution passed at a meeting of the workers engaged in the brewing, distilling, and allied trades protesting against the proposals which will deprive thousands of men in the St. Patrick's Division of employment; and whether it is the intention of the Government to start munition or other work for those workers from whom their action will take away the means of living?
§ Mr. DUKEI have seen the resolution referred to by the hon. Member. Before making any announcement such as he asks it is necessary I should ascertain what is the real prospect as to serious unemployment.
§ Mr. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received copies of resolutions passed at public meetings of the licensed grocers' and vintners' associations in Granard, Longford, and Edgeworthstown expressing their approval of closing public-houses in those towns provided the occupiers are compensated for the loss of their businesses; whether he will consider this opportunity for the reduction of licensed houses in Ireland; and whether the Government, whose restrictions of brewing and distilling threaten to ruin these traders, many of whom are struggling men, will propose any scheme of compensation before imposing these restrictions?
§ Mr. DUKEThe matters raised in the question are engaging the attention of the Departments concerned.