§ 67. Mr. HUNTasked, in view of the fact that contractors for the Admiralty can buy from abroad articles required for Admiralty contracts, whether steps are taken to secure the payment of wages equal to those required by the Fair-Wages Clause to the workmen abroad producing these articles for Admiralty contracts?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Fair-Wages Clause in question has reference to the wages, hours of labour and conditions generally of workpeople in the United Kingdom. It is designed to safeguard them against unfair conditions in this country. It is not intended for the defence of the interests of workpeople in foreign countries. It may interest the hon. Gentleman to know that, according to Parliamentary Paper, No. 7 of 1912, the value of Admiralty purchases of manufactured articles from abroad during 1910–11 was £217,611, the grand total of Admiralty purchases under contract for that year being computed to have amounted to between £22,000,000 and £23,000,000. I may further add that, of this expenditure of £217,611, £78,800 was for tinned and preserved goods; £62,000 for crystallised sugar, and £19,000 for rum.
§ Mr. HUNTAre we to understand that the contractor is allowed to buy from abroad goods made by very cheap labour, such as Chinese and Japanese, and, if so, what is the use of the Fair-Wages Clause to many of our workmen?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Fair-Wages Clause provides a safeguard against unfair competition in this country. With regard to the earlier part of the question the British manufacturer must do pretty well if out of £22,000,000 or £23,000,000 worth only £60,000 is foreign manufactured goods in highly specialised articles.
§ Mr. HUNTIn view of the fact that this may be increased to any extent, are not the Government allowing contractors to employ blackleg labour abroad?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am not aware of that.