§ 31. Mr. CLYNESasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the firm of Hepburn, Gale and Ross, leather manufacturers, Bermondsey, hold a contract with the Department; if so, whether he is aware that the wages paid by this firm are much lower than those paid by similar firms in the neighbourhood, and that girls employed on haversack and pack sewing, who have to buy their own thread, wax, and needles, can only earn about 3d. in an hour and a half; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to the provisions of the Fair-Wages Clause being complied with?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe firm named holds contracts for the War Office. I have no knowledge of the facts alleged in the question, but I will have the matter inquired into and let the hon. Member know the result in due course.