§ 67. Mr. BARNESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the firm of Messrs. Gwynne, engineers, Hammersmith, has a contract with the Admiralty; if so, whether he is aware that the labourers employed by this firm receive from 17s. to 24s. per week, trimmers from 24s. to 20s., and crane drivers from 24s. to 26s. per week, whereas the respective minima fixed with other firms are 27s., 28s., and 30s.; and whether he will make, inquiries into the matter in order to secure due observation of the Fair Wages Clause?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Messrs. Gwynne have work in hand for the Admiralty, and inquiries will be made.
§ 68. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the investigations into the complaint that the British Portland Cement Manufacturers and the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers were not observing the Fair-Wages Clause have yet been completed; if so, will he state the result; whether he is aware that attention was first drawn to this matter nearly twelve months ago; and whether any decision come to will be retrospective?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe investigations referred to by my hon. Friend are nearly completed, and I hope to state the result very shortly. I should add that the work of giving a decision in this case is one of considerable difficulty, and communications have had to be made with a number of firms and employers, as well as with the Board of Trade. With regard to the last part of the question, I should prefer at this juncture not to prejudge the decision which may be come to.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give a definite answer next week?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANext, week is but a short time away.
§ Mr. THORNEIn two weeks?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, perhaps.