§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Birmingham Small Arms Company, Limited, have any Government contracts at the present time; if so, what they are; whether the employés have now been on strike for two weeks owing to the low wages paid in the gun and cycle departments, and of the fact that this firm has refused to concede the advance of wages granted by the whole of the reputable firms in Birmingham; whether the firm is endeavouring to add two hours to the week's labour of their employés; and whether he will cause immediate inquiry to be made into the rates of wages and conditions of labour obtaining for both men and women in the whole of this firm's departments with a view to the prompt enforcing of the Fair-Wages Clause?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe Birmingham Small Arms Company holds various War Office contracts for warlike stores. The regrettable dispute which has occurred has engaged the attention of the War Office, although the points in dispute are of a general character and have no special reference to work on Army contracts. It appears that the wages and hours of labour in question will not be less favourable than those commonly recognised by employers and the trade society in the 42 district, and consequently no question of infringement of the Fair-Wages Clause arises. I understand that local endeavours are being made to arrange terms which shall be satisfactory to all concerned, and that there are good grounds for hoping that an amicable settlement may soon be reached.
§ Mr. BARNESasked the Home Secretary if he will take steps to enforce compliance with the Home Office Regulations in regard to overtime and night conditions of women and young persons at the Birmingham Small Arms Factory, especially during the continuance of the dispute existing at the works of the company?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe works referred to in the question have been visited, but no case of illegal employment of women or young persons has come to the notice of the inspector. A number of women are being provided with quarters on the premises, but this involves no contravention of the Acts, and I have no power to interfere.