In a recent speech delivered in the House of Commons, Mr C.R. Devlin, Member of Parliament, expressed concerns and made proposals regarding government expenditure and the involvement of Ireland in supplying clothing to the Army.
Mr Devlin began by acknowledging the historical criticism by Nationalists of government expenditure, emphasizing the need for wise and efficient allocation of funds. He also mentioned the Secretary of State for War’s promises of potential wage increases and extended holidays for labourers, which were generally well-received by Irish Members of Parliament.
However, Mr Devlin expressed his hopes that reductions in expenditure would be implemented as promised, with a preference for cuts in the Army budget. He argued that Ireland did not directly benefit from military spending and, therefore, it would be preferable for reductions to affect the Army rather than other areas.
Mr Devlin highlighted the absence of clothing factories in Ireland that supplied clothing to the Army, pointing out that Ireland had a thriving textile industry and could potentially contribute to such production. He questioned why Army clothing contracts were given to factories in England but not in Ireland. He emphasized the economic importance of creating job opportunities and preventing emigration in Ireland.
Mr Devlin elabourated on the efforts across Ireland to rejuvenate industries and establish woolen mills to create employment opportunities and curb emigration. He emphasized that a lack of employment led to the loss of valuable population, a concern that was particularly relevant to Ireland. He called on the Secretary of State for War to consider establishing a clothing factory in Ireland, where workers would be willing to work for wages competitive with those in England and where materials could be sourced from established mills in the country.
In summary, Mr C.R. Devlin’s speech in the House of Commons advocated for greater Irish involvement in supplying clothing to the Army, emphasizing the economic benefits and employment opportunities it could bring to Ireland.
Galway Observer – Saturday 16 June 1906
