HC Deb 12 December 1911 vol 32 cc2116-7
Mr. EDGAR JONES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the advisory committee of the Board of Trade has now reported as to the new wage arrangements at the Dowlais works; and whether he is now in a position to restore the firm in respect of those works to the list of contractors recognised by his Department.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received a report from the advisory committee concerning the wages scale for Dowlais; and whether, as the dispute was settled ten weeks ago, the firm of Guest, Keen and Nettlefold is again eligible to tender for contracts for his Department?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)

As I understand that an arrangement has been arrived at at Dowlais which is satisfactory to all parties, I have given instructions that orders may again be placed with Messrs. Guest, Keen and Nettlefold at their Dowlais works.

Mr. JOHN WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the refusal of Messrs. Thornycroft, Government contractors, of Southampton, to observe the trade union conditions and wages to their workmen; whether this firm have recently discharged workmen for asking for the trade union rate and substituted men paid at the rate of 22s., being 6s. and 8s per week lower than the recognised rate of the district; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this firm evading the Fair-Wages Resolution of the House of Commons?

The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Lambert)

As I informed the hon. Member for South-West Ham yesterday, investigation is now being made into this matter.

Mr. J. WARD

asked whether Messrs. Scott's Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Limited, Greenock, are contractors for his Department; if so, is he aware that this firm refuses to pay the recognised rates of wages to the members of the Associated Iron, Steel, and Brass Dressers of Scotland; and whether he will approach the firm with a view of compelling them to observe the Fair-Wages Resolution of the House of Commons?

Mr. LAMBERT

No official communication had been received prior to this question being placed on the Paper. Inquiry is now being made into the matter.