HC Deb 25 July 1911 vol 28 cc1512-3
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Fair-Wages Clause is being systematically and continuously violated by Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold whilst executing Colonial Office contracts at their Dowlais works; and what action he proposes taking to secure its enforcement?

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

also asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his office has any control over contracts placed in this country by overseas Self-governing British Dominions; and, if not, whether he will notify such of the said Dominions as have placed contracts for railway contracts with Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold that the firm is executing the said contracts at their Dowlais works by sweated and blackleg labour in violation of the terms of the Fair-Wages Clause?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I will deal simultaneously with both the hon. Member's questions on this subject. Apart from these questions, I have not received any representations to the effect that the Fair-Wages Clause is being violated by Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold in respect of contracts placed on behalf of the Crown Colonies, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars, I will cause enquiry to be made by the Crown Agents. With regard to contracts placed by the Self-governing Dominions I have no information and can take no action.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

The point I want to get at is this: Is there any control over these contracts and are they subject to the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, Sir; the new Fair-Wages Resolution passed by this House some eighteen months ago is inserted in all contracts.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

But are the contracts from the Self-governing Dominions subject to any control by the Colonial Office?

Mr. HARCOURT

Oh no, I have nothing to do with that.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken notice of the fact that the influence of the Labour party in the Colonies is not so strong as in this country?

Mr. HARCOURT

I referred to the fact that I had the honour of being in consultation at the Imperial Conference with the Leader of the Labour party.