HC Deb 18 February 1914 vol 58 cc944-5
40. Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Office of Works has insisted on the continuance of the ordinary repair and maintenance work on Government buildings, in spite of the present dispute in the building trade; and, if so, why this policy has not been extended to contract construction work?

Mr. BENN

When the dispute began the Office of Works informed the maintenance contractors that they could not allow it to interfere with the public service. If by contract construction work "lump sum" contracts are intended, the First Commissioner can only reply that he is bound, as are the contractors, by the conditions of the contract.

41. Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked whether a clerk of works of the name of Coward, in the employ of the Office of Works, is in forming workmen who apply for work that he cannot give anyone a job, but if they care to sign the circular recently issued by the master builders they can have a job with Messrs. Leslie and Company; and whether the Office of Works will put a stop to this recruiting by its officials of work- men for contractors who have locked out their own employés?

Mr. BENN

There is no ground whatever for the statements contained in this question.

42. Mr. CHARLES DUNCAN

asked whether, in addition to the three young men taken on at the new Home Office building from the Borstal Association, a number of others have since been taken on at the same place and were informed that if they did not sign the circular recently issued by the building employers of London they would be sent back to prison; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter and ensure that the Office of Works is not lending its support in any way to the employers in connection with the present lock-out?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

The Borstal Association report that, since October or November last, when the three lads mentioned were first employed on the Government buildings, no youths have been taken from the association by the contractors. There is no truth in the statement that any Borstal lads have been told that they would be sent back to prison if they did not sign the circular of the building employers. With regard to the last part of the question, the First Commissioner is in no way giving any support to the employers, and does not intend to depart from the attitude he has taken up.

Mr. DUNCAN

Have the boys been asked to sign the paper?

Mr. BENN

Yes, Sir; I think they have.

Mr. DUNCAN

Have the boys refused?

Mr. BENN

I would rather have notice of that question.