§ 9. Mr. W. THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can yet state the result of the inquiries into the alleged violation of the Fair-Wages Clause by the British Portland Cement Manufacturers and the Associated Portland 2481 Cement Manufacturers, inquiries which were instituted four months ago?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have received a full report on the subject. I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have been able thoroughly to consider it.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put a similar question four weeks ago and I received the same answer, and will he explain how it takes so long to investigate these matters?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know about four weeks ago, but the matter was raised first four months ago. It is one of considerable difficulty. There is a great variety of labour in the locality and it is difficult to compare these with the cement workers. I referred the matter to the Board of Trade, who have given me a full report which I should like to consider.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Labour Members very often get censured for not stoking-up these Departments?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs far as my experience goes, the censure is very ill-deserved.