HC Deb 12 July 1911 vol 28 cc359-60
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked whether the moulders now on strike for fair wages and conditions of employment at Dowlais were engaged for some part of their time each week in making castings in connection with the Admiralty order for steel plates placed with the firm of Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold, and that the wages paid these men ranged from 25 per cent, to 50 per cent, under the rates paid for similar work in the district; and what action he proposes taking to secure compliance with the fair wages clause as it affects these men, without which there may be serious delay in carrying out the contract?

Mr. McKENNA

As already stated, there is no Admiralty work in hand at Dowlais, but steel plates are made by this firm for the Admiralty in the works at Cardiff. I understand the hon. Member's question to mean that some castings of the working parts for the firm's general plant at the Cardiff works may be cast at Dowlais; I concur in the view expressed by the "Under-Secretary of State for India in his reply on a similar point on Thursday last, and I am prepared to join with him in submitting the point for interpretation by the Fair-Wages Committee.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Undersecretary 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?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)

I am afraid I must ask my hon. Friend to postpone his question for a week. The Secretary of State has sent the Director-General of Stores to Dowlais, and he is now conducting an inquiry on the spot. No avoidable delay will be allowed to occur, but I am sure my hon. Friend will agree with me that it is desirable that the inquiry should be a thorough one.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Meanwhile, may I ask whether the Director-General who has gone down to examine the books will examine them for this year, and not merely for last week?

Mr. TREVELYAN

I will communicate with my hon. Friend.