§ Mr. J. O'GRADYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Messrs. Spratt Brothers, a branch of Houghton's, Limited, Clifford-road, Walthamstow, are contractors to His Majesty's Government, and are employing cabinetmakers at rates of wages ranging from 6d. per hour to 8½d. per hour, as against the trade union wage of 10½d. per hour for the class of work required, and are working their employés 55 hours per week, which is five hours per week 351 beyond those current in London and district; whether he is aware that similar terms apply to the wood-working machinists and French polishers in the employ of this firm; and whether, in view of the terms of the Fair Wage Clause, steps will be taken to refuse tenders from firms who do not fully comply with the terms of the Clause?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Charles Hobhouse)If the hon. Member will furnish me with further particulars on the subject of his complaint, I will cause full inquiry to be made. I have not as yet been able to identify the contract to which the hon. Member refers.