HC Deb 17 May 1915 vol 71 cc1965-6
9. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Messrs. Huntley and Palmer, Reading, are contractors to the Department; whether he is aware that Messrs. Huntley, Bourne, and Stevens are sub-contractors to Messrs. Huntley and Palmer for the manufacture of biscuit tins, and are employing women on work done by men prior to the war at a less rate of remuneration, and that such action is contrary to the provisions of the agreement entered into by trade union representatives at the Treasury; and if he can take action to bring the conditions of labour at the firm to a higher level?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have no information on the matters to which my hon. Friend alludes. Messrs. Huntley and Palmer do not at present hold any Admiralty contracts.

34. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state whether Messrs. Huntley and Palmer, Reading, are contractors to the Department; whether he is aware that Messrs. Huntley, Bourne and Stevens are sub-contractors to Messrs. Huntley and Palmer for the manufacture of biscuit tins, and are employing women on work done by men prior to the War at a less rate of remuneration, and that such action is contrary to the provisions of the agreement entered into by trade union representatives at the Treasury; and if he can take action to bring the conditions of labour at the firm to a higher level?

Mr. BAKER

Messrs. Huntley and Palmer are contractors to the Department. They state, however, that Messrs. Huntley, Bourne and Stevens are not manufacturing biscuit tins for them in connection with their contracts for the War Office.