§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office what contract for the Lee-Metford rifle has been given to the London Small Arms Company; when was such contract given; and what number had been delivered up to 31st December, 1891?
§ MR. BRODRICKA contract for 75,000 Lee-Metford rifles was made on 17th February, 1890. To 31st December, 1891, there had been delivered under it 6,743 arms.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will take steps to put a stop to the system of sub-contracting which exists at the London Small Arms Company; and if there exists any arrangement between the foremen and the Company to lessen the cost of production?
§ MR. BRODRICKI have no special knowledge as to the arrangements between the London Small Arms Company and their workmen, but I believe that sub-contracting is more or less a custom in the gun trade.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether sub-contracting is discouraged in this case?
§ MR. BRODRICKIt is forbidden, except in regard to those portions of a contract where sub-contracts necessarily have to be made.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMBut what I want to find out is whether the conditions against sub-contracting is allowed by special arrangement with the Small Arms Company to be dispensed with?
§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)May I ask whether the factory clause is inserted in this as in all other contracts?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe clause is inserted in the contract. We have no knowledge of the sub-contracting referred to, but I believe it is usual, according to the custom of the trade.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI must press this matter of sub-contracting, of which there has been much talk of late. I should like to know if the hon. Gentleman will give some assurance that the grievance of the employees will be considered?
§ MR. BRODRICKI will make further inquiries if the hon. Member will put down notice of another question.