§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked whether, in view of the increased wages paid to unskilled and semi-skilled labourers as the result of the Advisory Board, representing the various Government Departments, the right hon. Gentleman will obtain a Return from those firms at present engaged in shipbuilding and armaments contracts for the Government of the minimum rate of wages paid per hour, and the number of hours worked per normal week, by the unskilled labourers employed by such firms; whether he will consider the practicability of fixing a reasonable living 605 wage for unskilled labourers employed by those firms who secure Government contracts, beginning with shipbuilding and armament firms, until such minimum wage is comparable with that paid at Government dockyards and arsenals; and whether a clause could be inserted in future contracts stating definitely the minimum rate per hour to be paid to such unskilled labourers as are engaged on Government work?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The Admiralty insist on the strict observance of the Fair Wages Clause in all their contracts. I do not understand whether my hon. Friend's suggestion is intended to go beyond the terms of the Fair Wages Clause, and to have no regard to the rate current in any particular district, but if he has any evidence to show that the Fair Wages Clause fails to fulfil its aim in securing that the wages and hours of unskilled labourers employed upon Government contracts are those which in practice prevail amongst good employers in the trade in the district where the work is carried out, I should be glad if he would kindly let me have it, so that I may give the question further consideration.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it the fact that the result of the Advisory Board's report is to be an increase of the wages of unskilled labour in Government Departments?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe report of the Advisory Board is not yet published, and I am unable to give any reply.