asked the Director of Boycott if it is a fact that the staff of his Department has been dismissed with one month's notice.
BELFAST BOYCOTT.
On the 28th January, the staff of the Boycott Department got notice that their services would not be required after the 24th February. A few of them worked for the month. The majority of them got a month's pay in lieu of notice. It has now been decided by the Cabinet to pay them three months' salary, so that there will be no dispute about it afterwards. I am taking it the staff means the office staff, the organisers of patrol, and the four Secretaries for Cork, Derry, Limerick, and Belfast. The total amount of the three months' salaries is £1,507 5s. There was some objection to the Estimates the other day. The cost of the Department up to the present is over £1,500: the three months' salaries will cost £1,507. The Estimate is £3,000. As far as I can, within that estimate, I will pay three months' salaries to the staff. I cannot see my way to come along here afterwards to be told I paid out something I had no right to pay. Of course I will not pay any member of the staff who has got other employment. I do not think any of them have, but if they have I will not pay them. I want that to be distinctly understood, that it is only those who cannot get other employment that I consider are entitled to payment. Of course, if one or two get other employment I will be able to keep the estimate within £3,000.