HC Deb 23 January 1902 vol 101 c663
CAPTAIN NORTON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in the principal firms in Bermondsey holding contracts for Army accoutrements, four-fifths of the adult males are foreigners, and that, as a result of the employment of this imported foreign labour, out of 1,300 valises delivered at Woolwich at the end of the year before last, no fewer than 900 valises were rejected; and that women are employed by these firms to do men's work while their husbands are idle; and, whether he will take immediate steps to provide that the Resolution of the House of Commons on 13th February, 1891, is adhered to, in respect of these and all other army contracts.

LORD STANLEY

There is no information to hand to show the proportion of foreign labourers or women in the firms mentioned, or the results of such inclusion. Steps are taken to secure that the House of Commons' Resolution is carried out, but I must point out that the Resolution deals with current wages for competent workmen, and does not deal with the nationality or sex of the workpeople.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Have any steps been taken during the past year to see that the current rate of wages is paid to workpeople engaged on Government contracts?

LORD STANLEY

Yes, most certainly, and if the hon. Member can bring forward any specific instances of breach of the regulations, I will take care to inquire into them.

CAPTAIN NORTON

I certainly will do so.