Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the firm of Easton, Gibb and Sons, contractors for the work at Rosyth Dock, are paying the joiners employed by them 7d. per hour, which is 1d. per hour less than the rate current in the district; that some of the men struck work, and when they waited upon the representatives of the firm they were informed that the firm did not intend to pay more than 7d. per hour; and whether he will take stops to compel this firm to observe the Government's Fair-Wages Clause?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)I am not aware that 7d. per hour is being paid, but I shall be glad to investigate any particular cases which are brought to my notice. The information I have received is that 8d. an hour is being paid. I have received no information that any joiners struck work, nor that the firm are failing to comply with the Fair-Wages Clause.
Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the firm of Henderson and Wilson and the Stewart Granolithic Company, who are sub-contractors under Messrs. Bruce and Company, of Edinburgh, for certain Government work at Crombie, are working their joiners one hour per day longer than the 407 time recognised in the district, and that they refuse to pay the men overtime rate for the extra time worked; and whether he will take steps to enforce the conditions of the Fair-Wages Clause?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf my hon. Friend will inform me whether the overtime he refers to is being worked at Crombie or at Edinburgh, I will have inquiries made.