HC Deb 04 May 1909 vol 4 cc895-6
Mr. SUMMERBELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a contractor for the supply of clothing for His Majesty's Customs and the Board of Trade is working his employés from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m., seven days a week; whether this is a contravention of the fair wage clause; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. H. J. Tennant)

The contractors inform me that it is not the case that their factory has been working from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m. seven days a week. They state that the normal hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but for the last few weeks, owing to the pressure of business, some of the men have been employed until 9 p.m. for 5 days a week. On Saturday the factory is closed at 4 p.m., and on the last three Sundays, owing to pressure, certain of the men have been employed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pre- sent contracts are dated prior to 10th March last, and therefore do not contain the new clause relating to hours and conditions of labour. Every future contract will contain that addition.

Mr. SUMMERBELL

Am to understand that the hon. Gentleman only takes the statement of the people who are implicated, or does he take any precautions, to see that the ordinary hours are not infringed?

Sir W. BULL

I should like to ask what is the reason for asking this question?

Mr. H. J. TENNANT

I am unable to answer the question of the hon. Gentleman opposite. In reply to the hon. Member for Sunderland, I have to state that I understand the figures were obtained from the contractors. If the hon. Gentleman will communicate with me I will give him the actual figures.

Mr. SUMMERBELL

Is it not possible to state whether the hon. Gentleman relies on the statement of the contractors only, or whether he takes any precautions to see that the ordinary working hours are not infringed?

Mr. H. J. TENNANT

I believe we take the contractors' statement.

Mr. SUMMERBELL

Will the hon. Gentleman take precautions to see that the ordinary hours are not departed from?

Mr. H. J. TENNANT

I think the hon. Gentleman is aware that the question of the number of hours worked is not one for the Board of Trade. It is for the inspectors of the Home Office to find out whether there was any contravention of the Act of Parliament.