§ Mr. WILLIAM ABRAHAMasked whether the Secretary to the Treasury will inquire whether the Irish Lights Board have given, or are about to give, contracts for the supply of brushes to Dublin manufacturers, and if clauses have been, or will be, inserted in such contracts making it imperative upon the contractors to employ trade union workmen and pay the standard rates of wages; and if he could state whether any effective steps would be taken by the Irish Lights Board to ensure that the condtions as to employment of trade union labour and payment of standard wages are complied with?
§ Mr. GULLAND (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Commissioners of Irish Lights have obtained three tenders for the supply of brushes during the year ending 31st March, 1912, and in 1218 compliance with the request of the Commissioners the Board of Trade have decided to sanction the acceptance of the lowest tender which contains the conditions as to rates of wages and hours of labour which contractors are required to observe in, accordance with the Resolution of the House of Commons of 10th March, 1909.