§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the contractor employed on periodical painting and repairs at the Tower of London had a dispute recently with his men as to the rate of pay; and that the men complained to the War Office, with the result that the contractor had to pay them the amount in dispute; whether he is aware that this contractor dismissed the men for complaining; and whether, as this contractor endeavoured to evade paying the local rate of wages to his employees, he will be allowed to compete in future with 584 contractors for War Office work who comply with the Fair Wages Resoution of the House.
LORD STANLEYA workman complained to the War Office that he and others had been discharged for raising the question of wages. The contractor was informed by the General Officer commanding the district that the full current rate of wages must be paid to all workmen engaged on painting. The contractor's explanation was that the men who had been paid less than the current wage were inferior hands. No further report has reached the War Office. The question of the selection of workmen rests with the discretion of the contractor. So long as lie pays the current rate, when warned, he is not held to be disqualified for future tendering. The circumstances are, however, noted against him.
§ MR. NANNETTIWill it be remembered that his excuse was that he employed inferior hands?