§ 109. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the firm of Messrs. W. and T. Avery, scale makers, of Smethwick, have any contracts with the Indian Government; and, if so, whether he is aware that this firm are not paying the rates of wages recognised in the district as fair to the various grades of workmen employed?
Mr. BAKERThe firm hold several contracts with the India Office, all of which contain the usual Fair-Wages Clause. The Secretary of State for India is not aware that the Fair-Wages conditions are not being observed, but if my hon. Friend will furnish particulars, inquiry will be made.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the Secretary of State consider it necessary to charge the Indian ryot the British trade union rate of labour as an essential condition of supply?