HC Deb 29 October 1912 vol 43 cc240-1
62. Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether consideration has been given to the representations placed before him in July last by a deputation from the London printing trade; and, if so, can he state whether any decision has been arrived at?

Mr. PETO

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers may I ask if he has had any opportunity of meeting a deputation of Government contractors to enable them to put their case before the Government?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)

In reply to the hon. Member opposite I may say that the case of both sides has been very fully put before the Government from time to time. Since July the Board of Trade, at my request, have undertaken a very full investigation into the conditions of the printing trade in London, involving some 60,000 persons. They report that fifty hours may be now accepted as the predominant working week within the meaning of the Fair-Wages Clause. After consultation with the Fair-Wages Advisory Committee I have instructed the Stationery Office in future to be guided accordingly in dealing with its contracts.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is it not a fact that the Government have this morning refused to receive a deputation from the contractors, and that in his answers to questions the right hon. Gentleman has taken into consideration matters relating to newspaper offices as well as to contractors.

Mr. MASTERMAN

No; the Board of Trade went very fully into the whole question. A report was presented to the Fair-Wages Advisory Committee, and we are acting on their advice.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Answer my first question!

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member wants an answer he ought to put his question civilly. I call upon the hon. Member below the Gangway.

Mr. PETO

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether those very full inquiries to which he refers were private inquiries, or whether the result of those inquiries have been made public to both sides?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I cannot tell whether the inquiries were private or not, but I see no reason why the answer should not be made public. I have seen neither of the sides since July.

Mr. PETO

I desire to give notice that I shall raise the question on the Motion for Adjournment to-night.

Mr. BARNES

Has anything been done to define the extent of the London area?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I should like notice of that question.