§ MR. ALLEN (Gloucestershire, Stroud)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the contract price for the civilian suit which the Government presents to each soldier on his return to civilian life has recently been reduced from 12s. 9d. to 11s. 9d.; and, if so, 904 what precautions are taken that the contractor can make a reasonable profit and pay a reasonable wage.
LORD STANLEYThe old rate of 11s. 9d., which was temporarily raised owing to the increase in price of the raw material, has now been reverted to. The War Office has nothing to do with the profits of a contractor, but only insists that the wages paid in the execution of the contract shall be those generally accepted as current in each trade for competent workmen in the district.
§ MR. ALLENIn view of the price, which cannot be termed extravagant, will the noble Lord see that the wage regulations are strictly enforced?