§ MR. MADDISON () Sheffield, BrightsideI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Messrs. T. Firth and Son, Limited, Sheffield, are not complying with the fair contract resolution of the House of Commons in executing their contract for 4. 7 lyddite shells, and that the men engaged in making them are paid at less than the recognised rates of the district, and less than those paid by other firms in Sheffield; and whether he will take imme- 789 diate steps to secure full compliance with the terms of the resolution in question.
* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.The contractors have been communicated with, and it does not appear that they are paying less than the current rates in respect of the shells referred to: but if the hon. Member has any facts that he can adduce supporting the contrary view I will cause further inquiry to be made.