MR. W. F. D. SMITH (Strand, Westminster)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware that the members of the Government Workers' Branch of the Independent Tailors, Machinists, and Pressers Union, state that sweating is still being carried on by Government sub-contractors for clothing; whether he will receive a deputation of the members of the Union, who are ready to state specific cases; and, whether, if the statements of the deputation are satisfactory, he will cause inquiry to be made into the system which, it is alleged, does not carry out the Resolution of the House with regard to fair wages?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERMy attention was called to this matter a short time ago, and I at once directed that full inquiry should be made by the Departments concerned. I understand that hitherto considerable 1159 difficulty has been found in obtaining definite information as to the particular firms and contracts referred to. For this reason I shall be very glad to receive a statement of specific cases; but I am afraid I cannot receive a deputation on the subject.