§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold pay moulders engaged on Government work at Dowlais wages ranging from 2s. 11d. to 3s. 8d. per day, and that as a consequence the workmen have been on strike for the past ten weeks; and what action he proposes taking to compel this firm to comply with the provsions of the Fair-Wages Clause?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to his colleague, my hon. Friend the Member for Merthyr Tydvil. So far as the Admiralty are aware, there is no Admiralty order with the firm that effects the moulders at Dowlais.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEMay I ask whether a firm engaged on Admiralty work is allowed to pay a certain rate of wages to one section of its workers and the standard rate only to those engaged upon Admiralty work?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no information as to what rates this particular firm pays. I have always understood we have no power to go outside the terms of the contract, and all the terms of the contract lay down are that fair wages shall be paid. We have no general powers to force contractors to pay wages outside the terms of the contract by which they are bound.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIECan the right hon. Gentleman say what special work this firm is doing for the Admiralty?
§ Mr. McKENNANot without notice.
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Fair-Wages Resolution is attached to all contracts given out to these various firms?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir.