§ MR. CURRANI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Wallsend Slipway Company have compelled about a dozen draughtsmen, under threat of instant dismissal, to perform fitters' work on H.M.S. "Superb," at Elswick; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
§ MR. McKENNAWe have no knowledge of the circumstances set out in the hon. Member's Question; but assuming the facts to be as stated, there does not appear to be any ground for action by the Admiralty.
§ MR. CURRANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a breach of the Fair Wages Clause?
§ MR. McKENNAI have examined the question and am unable to discover that the alleged circumstances constitute a breach of the clause. It does not deal with fair wages at all.
§ MR. CURRANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the firm of Leslie's have Government contracts overdue, and are asking for an extension of time on the ground of labour disputes?
§ MR. McKENNAI should like notice of that Question.