MINISTERIAL MOTIONS. - DECREE REGARDING THE EXCLUSION OF ENGLISH GOODS AND MANUFACTURES.
The DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND COMMERCE moved:—
1. "That as Britain is waging an unjust war of aggression against Ireland, the Dáil directs the Ministry to proceed with the policy of excluding goods manufactured or produced in Great Britain or imported through British merchants or agents, and as a first step authorises the Ministry to issue from time to time lists of British goods the sale and importation of which is prohibited, and to take the necessary steps to enforce such prohibition."
He added that a vote of £5,000 would be required in connection with this.
The ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE seconded.
On the suggestion of the SUBSTITUTE MINISTER FOR LABOUR an additional clause was inserted, as follows:—
2. "That, as the revival and maintenance of the manufactures and industries of Ireland are essential to the employment of Irishmen and Irishwomen and vital to the economic life of Ireland, Dáil Eireann directs the Ministry to carry on an intensive campaign for the development of Irish manufactures and industries."
THE PRESIDENT said this Decree meant that they were undertaking a piece-meal boycott of English goods. The wording of the Decree would be important, and he wished that the Ministry be empowered to settle the wording. No article would be boycotted until they were satisfied that there were alternative sources of supply.
The Motion was put and carried, the Ministry being empowered to settle the wording of the Decree.