Mr. T. F. RICHARDSI wish to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. J. B. Pearce and Company, Bethnal Green, contractors for the supply of clothing for the Territorial Forces, are working their employes from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m., with only one hour for dinner, seven days a week; whether there is a fair-wage clause in this firm's contract; and, if so, whether the facts stated are a violation of the clause?
§ Mr. HALDANEAs I have on previous occasions informed the hon. Member, the Territorial associations make their own arrangements for the supply of clothing to the Territorial Force, and I have, therefore, no knowledge of any particular contract. I have, however, suggested to all 716 associations that they should adopt the same clause as is used by the War Office in similar contracts.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWas there a fair wages clause in this contract?
§ Mr. HALDANEAs I have already explained, I have no control over these matters.
§ Mr. HALDANENo; it is doing nothing of the kind.
§ Mr. CROOKSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is allowing public money to be spent in sweating shops?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am not aware that I am.