§ 20. Mr. JOHN WARDasked the Undersecretary of State for War what were the dates on which the local inquiry was held into the wages of navvies and labourers which resulted in a reduction of the wages to be paid to such workmen, the names of the employers or their representatives who gave evidence at the inquiry, the names of the workmen or their representatives who gave evidence at the inquiry, and the name of the person who held the same?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)Local investigations were made in Edinburgh and the district by the War Office visiting inspector of labour early in October, 1910, and February, 1912. The investigations did not result in any reduction of wages paid, but showed that the decision of August, 1910, that 5½d. an hour must be regarded as the minimum rate could not be sustained in the light of the information obtained. On both occasions the Master Builders' Association and representatives of the trade unions concerned were consulted, besides from twenty to thirty firms; these firms gave information on the understanding that it should be treated as confidential, and their names cannot, therefore, be published.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman state the names of the societies representing the workmen?
§ Colonel SEELYI have not got them with me here. If my hon. Friend will call at the War Office and see the Director of 132 Contracts, I have made arrangements for him to see the whole contract, and I shall then be glad to answer any further questions which he may put to me.