Mr. KEIR ARDIEI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the rates of pay to workmen engaged in connection with the Government contract for rails at Dowlais ironworks; and what action he proposes to take to secure the proper observance of the Fair-Wages Clause attached to this contract?
§ Mr. EDGAR JONESI beg also to ask as to the result of the inquiries concerning the wages paid to workmen engaged by Messrs. Guest, Keen and Nettle-fold, upon contracts for the Indian State Railways?
§ The VICE-CHAMBERLAIN of the HOUSEHOLD (Mr. Geoffrey Howard)The Secretary of State is in communication with Messrs. Guest, Keen and Nettle-fold regarding the allegations made against them, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as the firm's reply has been received and considered.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEWhen may the reply be expected. Seeing that the matter has been before the India Office several weeks is it not time it arrived?
§ Mr. HOWARDI will make inquiry of the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhy not send down an inspector, instead of waiting for the reply?
§ Mr. HOWARDI will communicate that suggestion to the Department.