HC Deb 14 September 1893 vol 17 cc1148-9
MR. BUTCHER (York)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what further information he can give with reference to the sub-letting of the Government contract for the painting of the Cavalry Barracks at York, and the rate of wages paid by the sub-contractor; what are the wages paid by such sub contractor to the workmen employed in connection with the work contracted for; whether such wages are below the wages generally accepted in the district for competent workmen of the class employed; and having regard to the Resolution of this House of 13th February, 1891, what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

MR. WOODALL

(who replied) said: Looked at from the present standpoint, there may be said to have been some irregularity in this contract, which was a triennial one, anterior to the Resolution of the House of the 13th of February, 1891. Care will be taken to have the rates of wages provided for in the next triennial contract; but, from the information furnished, there does not appear to be any reason to suppose that the wages paid were lower than those generally in force in the district.

MR. BUTCHER

What are the rates of wages paid to painters and painters' labourers?

MR. WOODALL

There is no obligation in the contract to pay the current rate of wages, the contract having been made three years ago, before the passing of the House of Commons' Resolution; and, therefore, I do not see it is necessary to give the information asked for.

MR. BUTCHER

But in the contract under discussion is there not a clause with respect to the payment of wages such as are accepted in the district?

MR. WOODALL

This contract was made more than three years ago, and no conditions are enjoined in it with regard to the payment of the current rate of wages.

MR. BUTCHER

None as to the wages accepted in the district?

MR. WOODALL

No; the contract was made before the House passed this Resolution, but every contract made subsequent to the House of Commons' Resolution contains a stipulation that the current rate of wages shall be paid.