§ MR. WOODS (Essex, Walthamstow)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are 120 joiners employed at the works of the firm of Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whit-worth and Co., Limited, Manchester, Government contractors for guns, ammunition, etc., and that these men are paid at the rate of 36s. per week of fifty-three hours, a few only being paid 37s. 6d. per week, though the rate of wages throughout this district is 9½d. per hour, or 39s. 2d. per week of 49½ hours; whether he is aware that a deputation from the workmen recently met the manager and pointed out to him that they were not receiving the average rate of wages paid in the district, and that the manager declined to pay the same wages as other employers were paying; and whether, seeing that this is a breach of the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons (February, 1891), he will cause an inquiry to be made with a view of giving effect to the terms of the said resolution.
* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.I have caused inquiry to be made into the allegations contained in the question, and I will acquaint the hon. Member with the result when it is arrived at.