§ 86. Mr. BARNESasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the firm of Messrs. Hendersons, Limited, of Glasgow, employ painters on work for and on Royal mail vans at wages ranging from 19s. to 30s. per week, while other firms pay from 33s. to 34s; that they employ body-makers at 36s. per week, while other 1305 firms pay 40s. 6d.; is he aware that this same firm of Messrs. Hendersons have actually converted an old funeral van which conveyed dead bodies through the streets of Glasgow for ten years into one of His Majesty's parcels vans; and, if he is satisfied as to the allegations against the firm in question, will he have it removed from the list of Government contractors?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am informed by Messrs. Henderson that only two of the men in their employment who paint mail vans receive less than 30s. a week, namely, one 19s. and the other 24s. a week, the former being employed for odd jobs and the latter not being a qualified workman. It is the case that this firm employs bodymakers at 36s. a week, while some other firms pay such men higher wages. I am obtaining information as to what are the rates generally recognised as current for work of this kind in Glasgow in order that I may be in a position to decide whether the Fair-Wages Clauses in the mail cart contracts held by Messrs. Henderson are being fulfilled. The van referred to, which had been converted into a parcel van, was, I am informed, used on one or two occasions as a conveyance for mails in an emergency.
§ Mr. BARNESWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question, which is the only definite question that I put?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThat is a hypothetical question, the answer to which would depend on how far the contractors are bad employers. If the contractors prove to be really bad employers certainly we will take action.
§ Mr. BARNESWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to secure statements of the men as well as of the employers? He has just stated that he has taken some evidence from, the particular employer.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI have already given instructions to that effect.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman make it clear to which firm the question refers? There are in Glasgow several firms named Henderson.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI think there is no doubt as to the firm concerned. I believe that there is now a dispute in process between the firm and their men.