§ 12. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now state what has been the result of his inquiries into the rates of wages paid by Messrs. Ransomes and Napier which was promised on 25th March and 21st April?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)As I have already stated, we have been in correspondence with the firm on the subject. I think, however, that local investigation is also desirable, and an Admiralty officer has been detailed for the purpose. I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.
§ 14. Mr. BARNESasked tht First Lord of the Admiralty whether Nobel's Explosives Company, Ardrossan, hold any contract with his Department; if so, whether he is aware that they pay their labourers 18s. 9d. per week, whereas other firms in the district pay from 22s. to 27s. per week; and whether he will take steps to have the Fair-Wages Clause complied with?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Admiralty information is to the effect that the rate is now higher than the figure—18s. 9d.—named, and the firm claim to have been paying the current rate or more. The Admiralty have no information of the rates paid by other employers in the district. In reply to the third part, inquiry will be made of the Board of Trade as to current rates in the district as a preliminary to determining whether the Fair-Wages Clause is being complied with or not.