§ MR. NANNETTII beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has yet received the report from the Commissioners of Education in Ireland as to the complaints sent by him to them from the Bookbinders' Society; and, if so, what steps he purposes to take to meet the claims of these men.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe question of the application of the Fair Wages Resolution to the dealings of the Commissioners with the firm of Messrs. Blackie and Son was considered by the Commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday last, when it was decided that the resolution did not, in their opinion, apply, there being no direct contract with that firm. The Commissioners add that they are assured by the firm that the charges brought against them by the Bookbinders' Society is not warranted by the facts.
§ MR. NANNETTIIs it not recognised in all Government work that the Fair Wages Resolution must be acted upon? Seeing that these people are paid Government money, do they not come under the rule?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThat is just the point. The Commissioners say they maintain the resolution in direct contracts, but in this case they have no contract with, and consequently no control over, the firm concerned. The resolution does not, therefore, apply.
§ MR. NANNETTIIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on several previous occasions the Commissioners have said that the firm did not pay fair wages?
§ MR. WYNDHAMNo; the Commissioners have accepted the statement of the firm that they do not break the Fair Wages Resolution.
§ MR. FLAVIN and Mr. NANNETTIboth rose to put further questions.
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The question on the Paper has been fully answered.
§ MR. FLAVINOn the point of order, I have, Sir, a question arising directly out of the answer. Will you let me put it?
§ *MR. SPEAKERNo. Any further question must be given notice of in the ordinary way.