HC Deb 11 July 1910 vol 19 cc11-2
Mr. W. ABRAHAM (Dublin City, Harbour Division)

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the dispute as to wages between Messrs. Varian, brushmakers, of Dublin, and their employés; whether he is aware that the contention of the employés is that Messrs. Varian are not observing the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution passed by the House of Commons in March, 1909, in that they take into account the wages paid in this particular trade of brush-making in Glasgow, Bristol, and Belfast, instead of in the Dublin district; whether this contention is admitted by the Board of Public Works and by Messrs. Varian; and, if so, whether care will be taken that in any future contract made with that firm by any Government Department they will be compelled to conform strictly with the Resolution mentioned?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My attention has been drawn to the dispute between Messrs. Varian, brushmakers, of Dublin, and their employés. Messrs. Varian are not bound by the House of Commons Resolution of 10th March, 1909, as their contract for the supply of brushes to the Board of Works was made in November, 1907. With reference to the last part of the question, I would ask the hon. Member to refer to the reply given on 25th April last to the hon. Member for the College Green Division of Dublin.

Mr. ABRAHAM

What. was the answer given then?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have not a copy of it, but I think, if the hon. Member refers to it, he will see it deals fully with the question.

Mr. NANNETTI

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks with reference to the trade union rate of wages as between Glasgow, Bristol, and Belfast?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

"Whether he is aware that the contention of the employés is that Messrs. Varian are not observing the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution passed by the House of Commons in March, 1909, in that they take into account the wages paid in this particular trade of brush making in Glasgow, Bristol, and Belfast, instead of in the Dublin district." It only asks me whether I am aware of that. Yes, I believe I am aware of it.

Mr. NANNETTI

In carrying out the spirit of the Fair Wages Resolution, are tenderers allowed to frame their prices on wages paid in districts other than the district concerned?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is a different question. It is not on the Paper. If the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Paper, I will endeavour to answer it.