§ 85. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked what wages are being paid to the British captains and crews and the Dutch captains and crews, respectively, at present engaged in carrying out the dredging at Rosyth?
§ 86. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the reason of employing Dutch instead of British captains and crews for dredging at Rosyth docks; and whether this policy was adopted for reasons of economy or efficiency?
Mr. LAMBERTPermission to employ Dutch plant was only given after very exhaustive inquiries had proved that there was no alternative by which the work could be carried out so satisfactorily and economically having regard both to cost and time of completion.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDHas the hon. Gentleman's Department taken any notice of the fact that it is undesirable to employ foreign firms on works of this description, especially in view of the precautions they take to keep Englishmen from looking at the job?
Mr. LAMBERTMy reply covered that. Permission was only given after very exhaustive inquiries. It was found that we had to employ this firm unless the works were to be seriously delayed. We made full inquiries.
§ Mr. ROWLAND HUNTDo we understand from the reply that the Government gives a preference to foreign companies?
§ Mr. WARDWould the hon. Gentleman state what firms he made inquiries about, and also whether we are to take his reply as meaning that there are no dredging firms in this country capable of doing the work?
Mr. LAMBERTWe made very exhaustive inquiries at the time, and I can assure my hon. Friend that it was proved that great delay would take place unless this procedure was adopted.