HC Deb 04 June 1919 vol 116 cc2028-9W
Sir MAURICE DOCKRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a women's advisory committee (the Central Committee on Women's Employment for Leinster, Munster, and Connaught) has been in existence in Ireland since the beginning of the War and has carried on through the whole of that period a successful work in the training and employment of women, the approximate value of the clothing produced being some £115,000; that it is proposed by the Government to withdraw all financial recognition of this voluntary committee, thus leaving a number of women disemployed; if a similar committee has more recently been established in England (the Women's Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Reconstruction); and whether it is intended to deal with it in the same manner; whether there is to be any reconstruction in Ireland and if, in that connection, it is the intention of the Irish Government to provide for the training of the number of unskilled girls in Ireland; and if he will consider the propriety of using the trained assistance of those engaged in this work?

Mr. D. HENRY

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary is aware that the Central Committee on Women's Employment for Leinster, Munster, and Connaught has been in existence almost from the beginning of the War and has done much useful work, principally in supplying gloves, socks, and shirts for the use of the troops. The demand for these articles since the cessation of hostilities has considerably reduced, and it did not seem to the Government necessary, having regard to the amount of unemployment in the three provinces named, to continue the payment of the administration expenses of the committee, and the committee were consequently informed that no further funds were at the disposal of the Local Government Board for such payment and that their operations should cease on the 30th instant. The question of utilising the committee as an advisory body in any scheme of reconstruction will be fully considered should occasion for such services arise.