HC Deb 24 July 1913 vol 55 c2222
82. Mr. JOHN WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any Report from the Fair-Wage Advisory Committee as to the observance of the new agreement between the local construction contractors and the trade unions by Messrs. Morrison and Mason, the contractors for the new dock works at Portsmouth; or whether he has any other information to offer upon the subject?

Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT (Civil Lord of the Admiralty)

At the end of last week the Admiralty received information from the Chief Industrial Commissioner, who is also Chairman of the Fair-Wages Advisory Committee, to the effect that satisfactory terms had been arranged between the workmen and Messrs. Morrison and Mason, the contractors for the new dock works at Portsmouth. It is understood that the firm have advanced their wages to the extent involved in the agreement referred to by my hon. Friend in his question of the 30th ultimo.

Mr. WARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the contractors have agreed to the code of rules signed by the local builders?

Mr. LAMBERT

I said so. I stated in my answer that it is understeod that the firm have advanced the wages to the extent involved in the agreement referred to by my hon. Friend in his question.

Mr. WARD

I am obliged to ask whether the communication from the contractors limited any part of the agreement?

Mr. LAMBERT

I should like to have that question put on the Paper.