§ MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury 1435 whether, in view of the fact that the fair wage clause in Government contracts now fails to meet the changed circumstances, he will appoint a Select Committee to go into the matter, with the view of recommending an alteration of the clause, making trade union wages and conditions of employment the standard of fairness in all Government contracts.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIt is the earnest desire of the Government to give full practical effect to the purpose underlying the Fair Wage Clause. The question what further clauses, if any, are necessary to fulfil this object in the diverse circumstances of the numerous Government contracts is receiving the careful consideration of the Departments concerned. The present moment does not therefore seem to me opportune for the appointment of the suggested Select Committee.