§ 79. Mr. W. THORNEasked the right hon Member for the Epping Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he is aware that Messrs. Schweppes, Limited, mineral water manufacturers, employ for the manufacture of their commodities low-paid female labour; and whether he will consider the desirability of giving contracts for the supply of refreshments to firms who observe the spirit of the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons?
§ Colonel LOCKWOODI do not know much about soda water by itself. I have done my best to get the information required, and I believe I am correct in stating that the rates of wages paid by Messrs. Schweppes, Limited, at their West Kensington factory, from which the House of Commons is supplied, are higher than those paid by any other mineral water manufacturers in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the factory where they make this material is where the low-paid labour is employed and not where they distribute it?
§ Colonel LOCKWOODI will make any further inquiry the hon. Gentleman wishes.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether this particular firm comes under the Fair-Wages Resolution of the House of Commons
§ Colonel LOCKWOODI have not the faintest idea.