64. Mr. ALFRED SHORTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office 380 whether Messrs Maconochie Brothers, Limited, are still contractors to the Wax Department; whether he is aware that this company is violating the Fair-Wages Clause embodied in Government contracts; whether he is aware that, in con sequence of an attempt by the motor-lorry drivers in the employ of the company to obtain the wages and conditions agreed to between the National Transport Workers' Federation and the three principal employers' associations covering the whole of Great Britain, these men have been dismissed and their places filled from the Labour Exchanges; and whether he will give an assurance that every attempt will be made to enforce the Fair-Wages Clause and to ensure that the men dismissed will be reinstated, and the wages and conditions recognised in accordance with national agreements and awards shall be granted by the company while they remain. Government contractors?
The DEPUTY-MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)I have been asked to answer this question. No complaints of any violation by the firm of the Fair-Wages Clause embodied in Government contracts have reached me, but I am making inquiries into the matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend on the subject in due course.