11. Mr. POINTERasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that men employed in the Houses of Parliament by Messrs. Simpson, the contractors, have not participated in the ½ an hour increase in wages agreed upon recently between the Master Builders' Association and the representatives of the workmen; whether he is aware that the men referred to have in past years participated in increases agreed upon in the trade; and whether he will have inquiry made, and ensure due observance of the Fair-Wages Clause?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe workmen employed at the Houses of Parliament under the Board's contract with Messrs. Simpson are not engaged in the building trade, and do not, therefore, come under the recent arrangement with the Master Builders' Association.
Mr. POINTERHas it not been usual in the past for the men to participate in such increases, and why has the practice been departed from?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI understand under the Fair-Wages Clause an advance was granted to men engaged in the building trade. These men are not engaged in the building trade, and therefore did not get the advance.