§ MR. H. O. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office, whether inquiries have been made with regard to the case of the alleged contravention of the Fair Wages Resolution in respect to the painting at the barracks at Belfast; and if he can state what has been the result of such inquiries; and whether, in the event of the Resolution having been departed from as alleged, he proposes to take any, and what, steps to guard against the recurrence of such an event?
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSYes, Sir. Strict inquiry has been made into the matter referred to by the hon. Member, and as the result the Secretary of State is satisfied that the contractor has not paid the current rate of wages to some of the workmen employed. It has, therefore, been decided to give him notice to terminate the contract, the conditions of which he has broken.