§ Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary of State for War, whether, in view of the circumstances attending the violation of the Fair Wage Clause by Messrs. P. and J. Gordon, for the painting of Maryhill Barracks, and of the fact that the painters on the contract had not been receiving the wages to which they were entitled, he would take some further action besides striking the firm off the list of contractors?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt is considered that the case has been adequately met by the removal of the firm's name from the list of Army contractors, which is held to be the most serious penalty which a contractor can suffer.
§ Mr. BARNESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the firm in question made a pretence of paying wages 50 per cent. more than were actually paid; and having regard to that fact, can he not compel the firm to pay the wages which they stated they were paying, but which the men had not had?
§ Mr. ACLANDWe have not legal power to do so.