30. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Under-Secretary for War whether the sub-contract for the supply of materials in connection with the erection of huts by Mr. Randolph Meech, of Hamworthy, Poole, contains the Fair-Wages Clause; and whether he has yet received any reply from the two contractors concerned with regard to the complaint that the carpenters were not receiving the proper rate of wages?
Mr. BAKERReplies from the two contractors concerned show that the orders placed with Mr. R. Meech did not contain the Fair-Wages Clause. Instructions are being issued to all firms acting on behalf of the War Office that this Clause should be included in all contracts made by them. Mr. Meech has been asked for his remarks on the complaint, and directions have been given that pending a satisfactory explanation no further orders are to be placed with him.
Mr. TYSON WILSONWould the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing one or two ex-inspectors for the time being to see that the Fair-Wages Clause is observed?
Mr. BAKERI think that the Fair-Wages Clause is almost universally included. This happened to be a particular emergency order—over the counter, so to speak—and it was only for that reason that it was not in the contract. I doubt if there was a signed contract.