75. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Messrs. Scott, contractors, of Dublin, who are doing work for the War Office at Bere Island, county Cork, induced a number of joiners in Dublin to go to the job, promising them 1s. per hour and lodging money; that when the men got to the island the firm refused to pay more than 9d. per hour, which the 723 men refused to accept; and that, owing to the boat only calling at the island twice a week, the men had to remain there two days before they could return to the mainland; and whether he will make inquiries into this case with the object of compelling the firm to compensate the men for the time they were from home, or otherwise remove the firm from the War Office list of contractors?
Mr. BAKERThis firm cannot at present be identified, but I will make inquiries and let the hon. Member know the result.
77. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the En Tout Cas Company, of Syston, Leicester, who are doing work for the War Office, are paying the men employed on the work from 4s. to 18s. per week less than the standard rate of wage in the district; and whether he will take steps to compel this firm to observe the Fair-Wages Clause or otherwise cancel the contract?
Mr. BAKERA complaint against this firm has already been received, and is at present under investigation.