§ Mr. CLYNESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can ascertain whether the firm of Edward G. Herbert, Levenshulme, Manchester, is at present engaged on any Government work or is, with respect to previous contracts, on the Government list of fair firms; and whether he is aware that men employed by this firm as fitters, turners, machine men, and others are paid below the standard rates for their work?
Mr. BUXTONThe firm mentioned is not engaged on any work for the Board of Trade. Beyond this, I regret that I have no information, but I will make inquiries of the other Departments, and inform my hon. Friend of the result.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm makes use of the names of various large employing Departments?
Mr. BUXTONI am making inquiries. As far as the Board of Trade is concerned, we have no dealings with them at present.