MR. KEIR BARDIEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. J. Hawkins and Co., of Ashford, Middlesex, building contractors to the War Office, have locked their workmen out for refusing to accept a reduction of one penny per hour in their wages; and whether he will see that the firm complies with the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution.
LORD STANLEYMessrs. Hawkins and Co. state that they have discharged certain men in accordance with the terms of their engagement. They have complied with the Fair Wages Resolution throughout the execution of their contracts with the War Department, and have been paying more than the current rate of wages in the district.