HC Deb 28 July 1910 vol 19 cc2335-6
Mr. BARNES

asked what progress has been made with the inquiry by the advisory committee into the conditions of service and wages of certain Government servants; and when is the inquiry likely to be concluded?

Mr. BUXTON

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As soon as the terms of reference relating to the minimum wage for adult male labour at Pimlico and Weedon were received from the War Office the Fair Wages Advisory Committee made arrangements to take evidence, and they have heard witnesses representing the War Office and the trade unions of employés at Pimlico and Weedon. They have collected information from various sources as to the wages paid in analogous employments, and Members of the Committee visited Pimlico yesterday, and are at Weedon today, in order to have the nature of the work explained on the spot. I understand that the Committee hope to be able to report their conclusions to the War Office at an early date.

Mr. CLYNES

In the event of advances of wages being conceded, will they be made retrospective?

Mr. BUXTON

That is a question for the War Office. The Committee's duty is to inquire and report, and it remains within the discretion of the War Office how and in what respect they shall carry it out.