Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the result of the inquiries into the alleged violation of the Fair-Wages Clause by the Coventry Ordnance, Limited, in not paying the labourers for overtime worked?
§ Mr. McKENNAOvertime is not reckoned for payment at the Coventry Ordnance Works until after 9 p.m. on all days except Saturdays. After 9 p.m. overtime is paid for. I am informed that the conditions for overtime are more favourable at the Coventry Ordnance Works than the customary practice in the district.
Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of adopting the practice of informing firms of contractors who are (bad employers as respects their workmen not engaged on Admiralty work that if they continue to obey the letter only and not the spirit of the Fair-Wages Clause they will not secure another contract?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will investigate any case brought to my notice, but I cannot go 1537 beyond the assurance given to the hon. Member in reply to his question of Tuesday last.
Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the result of the inquiry into the alleged violation of the Fair-Wages Clause by Messrs. A. and J. Inglis, Pointhouse, in the payment of their labourers?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe whole of the information necessary to enable the Admiralty to come to a decision has not yet been received.
Mr. TYSON WILSONasked whether, before a firm is admitted to the list of contractors to the Admiralty, inquiry is made as to their standing as employers; and whether any such inquiry was made with respect to the firm of Messrs. Henderson and Wilson before they secured the present contract?
§ Mr. McKENNABefore a firm is admitted to the list of contractors to the Admiralty inquiries are made of the "References" as to its general standing and capabilities for executing work. An undertaking to abide by the provisions of the Fair-Wages Clauses of the Resolutions of this House is also required before deciding on admission to the list. Messrs. Henderson and Wilson are not on the authorised list, but the contractors for the Crombie magazines, Messrs. Bruce and Son, applied that this, firm might be allowed to act as sub-contractors. It is usual to grant such permission if nothing is known against the firm, and on the understanding that the Fair-Wages Clauses are adhered to. This procedure was followed in this instance, Messrs. Henderson and Wilson giving the required assurance.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDCould the right hon. Gentleman tell me what benefit the workmen will get from the Fair-Wage Clause, seeing the Clause, as interpreted by the Admiralty, allows the lowest wage in the locality to be paid?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Member is not justified in making that statement.
§ Mr. BARNESasked whether the Edinburgh Ropery and Sailcloth Company are contractors to the Admiralty; if so, whether 150 girls employed there are out on strike against a wage of 8s. 5d. per week paid for very laborious work, and whether the Fair-Wage Clause is being complied with?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe firm in question, have no Admiralty contracts in hand at the present time.