HC Deb 25 November 1909 vol 13 cc354-5
Mr. W. THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the British Section being built at the Brussels Exhibition has been let to a British contractor, and that the fibrous plastering work has been sub-let to a foreign firm, and the rate of wages paid is four francs per day; and, seeing that the work was let to a British firm, should the London rates of wages be paid for the work; and whether, in view of the Fair Wages Resolution, he intends taking action in the matter?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Churchill)

I have been in communication with the contractors for the decoration in the British Section of the Brussels Exhibition, 'who inform me that no portion of their contract has been sub-let; that they are paying their Belgian workmen at the rate of more than four francs per day, and that the rates paid are not less than the rates current in Brussels. In these circumstances I see no occasion for taking action in the matter.

Mr. J. WARD

Is four francs per day the standard rate of wages for plasterers in Brussels?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes.

Mr. J. WARD

There is a lot of difference between that and the wages paid in this country.

Mr. W. THORNE

Did the right hon. Gentleman advise the contractor as to the rate of wages to be paid?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir; it is obvious that in decorating an exhibition in a foreign country you cannot import British workmen. That would cause a great deal of ill-feeling, and might destroy the purpose of the exhibition. The rule followed by the Government is to pay the current rate of wages in the district, and that, I am informed, is four francs per day for plasterers.