§ MR. HUDSON (Newcastle-on-Tyne)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to a police court judgment for workmen's wages, and distress warrants which have been issued against the Mica Boiler Covering Company, Limited; whether this company are contractors or sub-contractors for the work they are doing on H.M.S. "Invincible," now lying at the Elswick Shipyard, Newcastle-on-Tyne; and whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to strike this firm off their list, or what other action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
§ MR. McKENNAThere is no trace of any report to this effect having reached the Admiralty. The Company is on the Admiralty list, and consequently the main contractors, Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co., are in order in employing them as subcontractors. This is being done through the machinery sub-contractors, Messrs. Humphreys, Tennant and Co. I will see that the matter to which the hon. Member refers is at once inquired into.
§ MR. HUDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire if a winding-up order has recently been made against this company?
§ MR. McKENNA.The whole matter will be inquired into.