§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether the sub-letting of contracts for labour only is permitted in contracts made on behalf of the Admiralty; whether due inquiries are made in the district where the work was being carried on regarding the condition of local labour; and whether, seeing that so many plasterers were out of employment in the surrounding district, the First Lord of the Admiralty will give instructions that the plastering of the new drawing offices at Keyham shall not be sub-let?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is permissible in works contracts made on behalf of the Admiralty to sub-let portions of the work for labour only, and the Fair Wages Clause applies to such sub-contracts. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay I ask whether the Works Department of the Admiralty consider the question of local labour at all, or whether they are satisfied that the work will be well done?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; they are satisfied that the work will be well done under conditions of labour which satisfy them as suitable. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that if he wishes to turn out one set of men in order to employ another set, the men turned out will then become in due course unemployed.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay I ask whether it is possible for a contractor to bring labour from Newcastle to Devonport and to ignore altogether that local men are out of work?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not suppose that any contractor would do anything so foolish as that.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay I ask whether the Works Department of the Admiralty will see that that is not done?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. I do not find it necessary to see that the Works Department do not do foolish things.