HC Deb 26 October 1909 vol 12 cc850-1
Mr. T. F. RICHARDS

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that tender forms are being issued from his Department which contain Clause 9 in its original form, and directing contractors' attention to a Fair Wage Resolution passed in 1901 as governing their contracts as to wages, hours, and conditions of employment; whether he is aware that a Resolution was adopted by this House on 10th March, 1909, amending the above Resolution; and whether he will take the necessary steps to bring both letter and spirit of the above Resolution to the notice of all contractors concerned, or what action does he intend to take in the matter?

Mr. HALDANE

Steps are being taken as rapidly as possible to insert in Army contracts an amended Fair Wages Clause in accordance with the Resolution of 10th March, 1909. There was, however, a certain unavoidable delay in order to secure uniformity of action between the various Government Departments, and with regard to the many different classes of contracts.