HC Deb 20 January 1902 vol 101 c305
CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether his attention has been called to the fact that contracts for Army accoutrements have been cut down to such a price that firms have been unable to pay leather workers the rates of wages hitherto generally accepted as current for competent workmen, and that as a consequence British workmen have been supplanted by specially imported Foreign workmen. And, whether he will take steps to provide that the Resolution of the House of Commons of 13th February, 1891, is adhered to in the case of these men.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (LORD STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

My attention has already been drawn to the matters to which the hon. Member alludes, and which have been and are being made the subject of a thorough enquiry by the War Office.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Is the noble lord aware that Bermondsey firms are employing women to do men's work?

* MR. SPEAKER

That hardly arises out of the question.

MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)

Will the noble Lord consider the claims of Irish saddlers to a portion of this class of work?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, Order!