HC Deb 06 July 1904 vol 137 cc781-2

Admiralty Contractors and the Fair Wages Resolution—Case of Messrs. Lysaght, of Bristol.

MR. CHAELES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether Messrs. Lysaght, of Bristol, are contractors for the Admiralty; and, if so, whether it has been brought to his notice that Messrs. Lysaght are discharging men from their employment on account of their membership of a trade union, in contravention of the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons, which has been adopted by all Government Departments; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRETYMAN,) Suffolk, Woodbridge

The Answer to the first part of the hon. Member's Question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. The Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons does not appear to lay down any guidance for dealing with cases of this character, unless it can be shown that the firm are paying less than the current rate of wages.

MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE

Does the Secretary to the Admiralty intend the House to understand that the question of the preferential employment of non-unionists as against unionists is net raised by the Resolution?

MR. PRETYMAN

I do not think there is anything regarding that in the Fair Wages Resolution.

* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

Will the hon. Member acquaint himself with the circulars issued by the Treasury on the subject?