Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the hon. Member for Southampton, as represent- 1517 ing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, when inquiring into the rate of wages paid by Mr. Musgrove, contractor, of Carlisle, who is executing work at certain Government buildings in that city, the rate of wage paid to workmen engaged on other than Government work by this firm was ascertained; and, if not, will he make further inquiries, as it is alleged that this employer pays many of his workmen considerably less than the standard rate?
The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Mr. Dudley Ward)In conformity with the terms of the Fair-Wages Resolution, the Office of Works undertakes to see that all men employed on its contracts shall be Laid the rates of wages current in the district. The Department satisfied itself that this was the case at Carlisle, and the First Commissioner is not in a position without further information to undertake the further inquiries suggested.
§ Mr. J. WARDIn deciding the current rate does the right hon. Gentleman's Department first of all take into account the agreed rate between the employers and workmen of the locality?
Mr. TYSON WILSONAre inquiries made or is any notice taken when workmen paid at other works are not paid in accordance with the standard rate. Suppose the current rate is 8d. per hour, and it is found that the men employed by another firm working on other contracts are paid 7d., is that firm considered a fair firm?
§ Mr. DUDLEY WARDIf information is brought to the Office of Works inquiries are made.