Mr. KEIRHARDIEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Fair-Wages Clause is being systematically and continuously violated by Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold whilst executing Colonial Office contracts at their Dowlais works; and what action he proposes taking to secure its enforcement?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)The firm has been communicated with in the matter; but, pending receipt and consideration of their reply, I am unable to answer the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs there any idea when the answer will be ready?
§ Colonel SEELYI hope in a day or two.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked what action the First Lord of the Admiralty proposes taking to secure the enforcement of the Fair-Wages Clause at Dowlais, where the moulders make the moulds for the ingots from which the plates for battleships are rolled, and also the various parts of the machinery employed in the rolling process, and where the pattern-makers make the patterns for the moulders, and are thus in both cases directly employed in connection with the contracts now being executed by Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold on behalf of the Admiralty?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe point which the hon. Member raises was referred yesterday by the India Office to the Fair-Wages Advisory Committee for an opinion.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEWill the right hon. Gentleman accept their decision?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe point having been referred, I cannot say. I do not want to prejudge the case.