§ 17. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the British Portland Cement Manufacturers and the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers have any contract with the Admiralty; if so, whether he is aware that the wages paid to labourers by these firms in the cement trade on the Thames and Medway are from 1½d. to 2½d. less than the wages current in the district; that they pay no recognised rate for overtime or Sunday work, and employ a good deal of cheap boy labour in the machine shops; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter in order to secure strict observance of the Fair-Wages Clause?
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTBoth the firms mentioned hold contracts for the supply of 1153 Portland cement to the Admiralty. Inquiries will at once be made into the matter to which my hon. Friend draws attention.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I get the result of the inquiry later on?
§ Mr. LAMBERTCertainly.