HC Deb 10 February 1899 vol 66 cc498-9
CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, East)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Irish Lights Commissioners have given the contracts for the repairs of their lightships to an English shipbuilding company at Appledore, who do not pay trades union rates of wages; and whether he will recommend the Commissioners to give their work only to such firms as have adopted the principle of the Fair Wages Resolution?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE,) Croydon

In the case of the only contract undertaken by the Shipbuilding Company at Appledore for the repair of lightships belonging to the Irish Lights Commissioners during the past twelve months, the Company gave an assurance that they were prepared to pay the wages generally accepted as current in each trade for competent workmen in the district.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Will the right honourable Gentleman suggest to the Commissioners to give their work to Irish firms?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE

That does not come within my province.