Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, if he is aware that the firm of Henderson and Wilson, contractors, of Leith, are sub-contractors under Messrs. R. Bruce and Sons, of Edinburgh, for the carpenter and joiners' work for the powder magazine, stores, etc., at Rosyth, have habitually and for many years paid a proportion of their workmen considerably less than the standard rate of wage; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter, and, if necessary, cancel the contract this firm holds?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am aware that Messrs. Henderson and Wilson are executing a sub-contract under Messrs. R. Bruce and Sons for the carpenters and joiners' work at Crombie magazines, etc. The Fair-Wages Clause in the contract only applies to Admiralty work, and the standard rate of wages is being paid on that work.
Mr. TYSON WILSONAm I to understand that a firm contracting for the Admiralty is to be allowed to pay less than a fair rate for other jobs?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe only remedy that we have got is under the conditions of the contract, and the conditions of our contract do not allow us to inquire into the wages paid by the firm except on our work. I have no remedy except under the contract.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked whether it is proposed to invite tenders for the power station at Rosyth; and, if not, how does the Admiralty propose to arrange for the work to be executed and proper wages paid to the men employed?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe building referred to is included in the main contract for Rosyth, and the Fair-Wages Clause of the contract will govern the rate of wages to be paid on the work. No application has yet been received for permission to let the work to sub-contract, but should such application be made and approved, the Fair-Wages Clause of the contract will still be applicable.
§ Mr. J. WARDAm I to understand that under the Fair-Wages Clause 5d. an hour will still apply at these works?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt will depend whether 5d. an hour is the recognised rate of the district or not.
§ Mr. J. WARDDoes the right, hon. Gentleman mean whether it is the lowest rate paid by anyone in the district?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, emphatically not.
§ Mr. J. WARDCertainly.