HC Deb 24 August 1893 vol 16 c960
MR. KEIR HARDIE (West Ham, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any contracts from his Department are placed with the Clyde-bridge or Mossend Steel and Iron Companies; whether such firms are nonunion, and pay considerably less than the Union rates of wages; and what action he proposes to take in the matter to enforce the Resolution of the House relating to the conditions of labour?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley

The War Department has had no contracts with the Clydebridge Company. The last contract with the Summerlee and Mossend Company of Glasgow was in August, 1892, and has now been completed. Nothing is known as to whether such firms are non-Union and pay considerably less than the Union rate of wages. The usual action has been taken in these contracts to carry out the Resolution of the House of Commons, the clause as to the wages paid being those generally accepted as current having been inserted.