§ MR. SUMMERBELL (Sunderland)To ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state whether the Portland Cement Company are contractors for the supplying of cement to his Department; and, if so, whether he is aware that the said Company in the Gravesend district are reducing the number of men employed and replacing them by boys, thereby effecting a considerable saving as to the cost of labour; and, if so, whether this is an infringement of the conditions entered into on receiving the Government contract.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane). The hon. Member probably refers to the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers, who are contractors to the War Department. I am not aware whether the process referred to is taking place in this company. Such changes do not involve an infringement of the Fair Wages Clause or any condition of the contract.