HC Deb 27 February 1905 vol 141 c1335
MR. NANNETTI

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that labouring men have been employed at painting work at the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin, under the Board of Works; that remonstrances have been directed on behalf of the regular painters, employers and employed, claiming that the work done by these labouring men belongs to the painting trade; and, if so, whether, seeing that the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland define painting work contary to expert judgment, and in view of the replies received from the Department concerned, he will represent to the Board of Works the desirability of securing competent workmen to perform tradesmen's work in this trade in accordance with the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH, Derbyshire, W.)

After careful investigation I have satisfied myself that the painting work at the Viceregal Lodge, to which the hon. Member refers, is of the roughest description, not requiring or properly assignable to skilled workmen. Any work involving skilled labour is always reserved for duly qualified men.

MR. NANNETTI

Seeing that the workmen claim this to be the work of regular painters, will the right hon. Gentleman take the expert opinion of the Master Painters on the subject?

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

asked for notice of the Question.