§ MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolverhampton, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many firms who contract for the supply of brushes for the Admiralty are not paying the standard rate of wages in their particular district; and whether he will assist in the prevention of sweating by giving the names of those firms in receipt of Government contracts.
§ MR. MCKENNANo complaints have been received by the Admiralty that brush contractors are not paying the standard rate of wages. The contracts contain the usual condition as to fair wages, and any specific complaint against a contractor shall be investigated. The question of publishing the names of Government contractors is at present under consideration.
§ MR. W. THORNE (West Ham, N.)If it can be proved that any contractor is not paying the trade union rate of wages will the Admiralty strike him off their list?
§ MR. MCKENNAI should like to have the case brought before me before the punishment is considered.