HC Deb 30 November 1908 vol 197 cc1066-8
MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolverhampton, W.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that the firm of Messrs. Morrison and Mason, Government contractors at Portsmouth, are not observing the Fair Wage Clause in the payment of their labourers; and whether he will take action in the matter.

MR. BRAMSDON (Portsmouth)

At the same time may I ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the contract with Messrs. Mason and Morrison, in connection with the construction of the new lock at Portsmouth, contains the Fair Wage Clause; if so, is he aware that the labourers employed by that firm are being paid 5d. per hour instead of 6d., the recognised rate in the neighbourhood; whether outside labourers are being engaged notwithstanding that there are still local men unemployed; and what course the Admiralty intend to adopt in the matter.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. MCKENNA,) Monmouthshire, N.

The point raised in the Question is one of considerable difficulty, and my hon. friend the Financial Secretary has gone into the whole matter with the greatest care. To summarise the conclusions come to, it would appear that 6d. an hour is the current rate for builders' labourers, but that the corporation and other employers who recognise this rate for general labourers do in fact pay less than 6d. per hour, and in some cases as little as 4½d., for labour which may be regarded as less skilled than that of the builders' labourer. The joint committee of the local railway companies pay men engaged on their permanent way 18s. per week, which, at forty-eight hours per week, would represent 4½d. an hour, and some of the unskilled labourers in the dockyard are paid at the rate of 5½d. an hour. From all the evidence, it appears to be shown conclusively that, while the current rate for builders' labourers is 6d. an hour, the rate current in the locality for less skilled labour is certainly below that figure. Having regard to the class of labour employed by Messrs. Morrison and Mason for which they pay less than 6d. per hour, it cannot be said, on a review of all the circumstances, and of the rate current in the locality, that there has been any infraction of the Fair Wages Clause.

MR. T. F. RICHARDS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm paid 27s. 6d. up to September, and then reduced wages without notice?

MR. MCKENNA

I was not aware of that fact.

MR. T. F. RICHARDS

Did not the Department three weeks ago apply to the United Trades Labour Council at Portsmouth in regard to this matter?

MR. MCKENNA

Yes, Sir.

MR. WATT (Glasgow, College)

How is the recognised rate in the neighbour hood arrived at? Does it not vary in different trades?

MR. MCKENNA

It varies more particularly in regard to the cost of living in the district. The Admiralty only discover it lay close inquiry among all firms.

MR. CORRIEGRANT (Warwickshire, Rugby)

When the Secretary to the Admiralty makes inquiries does he consult the leaders of the local trade unions?

MR. MCKENNA

I will inquire.

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

Does he consult those who pay the lowest wages only?

MR. MCKENNA

I do not think that is a suggestion which ought to be made. We consult all the employers in a neighbourhood, and those whom we have consulted in this instance recognise that though the rate referred to is a low one for builders' labourers a still lower rate obtains for less skilled labour.

MR. W. THORNE (West Ham, S.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to attach a schedule rate of wages to all official contracts?

MR. MCKENNA

No. We are acting on the rule laid down by the House of Commons in its Resolution.

MR. W. THORNE

The results are not very satisfactory.