§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has seen a resolution, passed by the United Trades Council and Labour League of Dublin, which stated that much difficulty is experienced in obtaining particulars relating to Government contracts in Ireland, and in identifying the persons entrusted therewith, and also that complaints have been made as regards the carrying out of the Fair Wages Resolution; and whether, in order to remove these difficulties, he would order that concise particulars of all Government contracts, together with the names of the persons whose tenders are accepted, be set out in the Labour Gazette; that a penalty of not less than five per cent, on the amount of the tender be imposed on all contractors who fail to comply with the Fair Wages Resolution in executing the work; and that the names of all such contractors be published.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI have received a copy of the resolution referred to. I am afraid it would be impossible to arrange for the publication 1176 of particulars of all Government contracts in the Labour Gazette. A clause providing for a fine of the nature suggested has been included in certain recent contracts, but before extending it further I think it desirable to have some experience of its working. Up to the present time no case has arisen for imposing penalties under it. When such cases arise, I shall have no objection to giving the particulars asked for.
§ MR. NANNETTIIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many complaints have been brought before this House of the way in which the contractors carry out the Fair Wages resolution? Will the hon. Gentleman inquire further?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Member has a complaint to make about any particular contract, and will give me such details as will enable me to identify the case, I shall be happy to have it investigated, but I cannot set out on a roving commission on the general statement that there are complaints.