§ MR. BUTCHER (York)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Government contract for the painting of the Cavalry Barracks at York has been sub-let; whether the sub-contractor, to whom such contract has been sub-let, is paying his workmen employed in doing the work contracted for by such contract wages, which in many cases are considerably below the wages generally accepted as current in the trade for competent workmen; and, having regard to the Resolution of this House of the 13th February, 1891, what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) HanleyInquiry was made into this matter, and the result appeared to be satisfactory; but, in consequence of a letter received this morning from the hon. Member's Colleague in the representation of the City of York, a further and more searching inquiry has been ordered.
§ MR. BUTCHERCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the contract has, in fact, been sub-let?
§ MR. WOODALLThe contract has been sub-let without the permission that ought to have been asked for; but I will make a further explanation hereafter.