HC Deb 28 July 1913 vol 56 cc12-3
18. Mr. CHARLES DUNCAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the firm of J. W. Blake and Son, Gosport, Admiralty contractors, have been employing a hammerman at a rate of 2½d. per hour, the proper rate being 5¾d. per hour; that when the men's union made representations to the firm the reply was given that they had taken him to be younger than he actually was, and that he had not been employed upon skilled work, and the man was subsequently discharged; and whether, in view of the fact that there is a difference of opinion as to the work the man was engaged upon, he will have inquiries made in order to ensure that the system of this firm is not in contravention of the Fair-Wages Clause?

Mr. LAMBERT

Inquiry will be made into the circumstances referred to in the question.

19 and 20. Mr. HUDSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) if his attention has been called by the Newcastle dis trict secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers to the fact that Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth, and Company, are not observing the Fair-Wages Clause of the House of Commons in the payment of skilled mechanics (engineers) doing Government work; and what decision, if any, has been arrived at by his Department on the matter; and (2) whether his attention has been called by the Newcastle district secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers to the fact that the Parsons Marine Turbine Company, Wallsend-on-Tyne, have not observed the Fair-Wages Clause of the House of Commons in paying skilled mechanics (engineers) employed on Government work; and what action, if any, he has taken in the matter?

Mr. LAMBERT

This matter has been reported to the Admiralty and is being investigated.

22. Mr. JOHN WARD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Messrs. Morrison and Mason have agreed to observe the wages and working conditions for all classes of workmen, including navvies and labourers, as laid down in the agreement signed between the trades union and the Portsmouth Master Builders' Association?

Mr. LAMBERT

It is understood that Messrs. Morrison and Mason have entered into no agreement, but that, so far as they are applicable, they are observing the wages conditions for all classes of workmen, including navvies and labourers, as laid down in the agreement mentioned.