§ 27. Mr. HODGEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his Department is responsible for the giving out of contracts for military uniforms; if so, whether he is aware that at the beginning of the War flat rates were adopted both for material and made-up garments; that on these flat rates piece prices for the workers were fixed; and that subsequently the flat rates were abolished and the contracts thrown open to competition, with the result that cheaper rates were secured and the workers have suffered reductions in the piece prices amounting to from 30 to 40 per cent.; and whether, in view of the fact that in the manufacture of munitions of war the piece prices of the workers have not to be cut, he will take steps to apply this provision to the manufacture of military uniforms and restore to the workers the prices they previously earned?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy Department is responsible for the placing of contracts for military uniforms. The material for these uniforms is still issued to contractors at fixed rates. The fixing of flat rates for the made-up garments was adopted as an emergency measure in the early part of the War, but when the initial difficulties of supply had been overcome, it was decided to revert to the normal system of competitive tendering. Contracts placed on the flat-rate basis did not require the payment of any specified piece-rates to the workers, but contained the usual stipulation that the wages paid should comply with the requirements of the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. Contracts placed under the present system also contain this stipulation, and if the hon. Member is aware of any case in which it is not being observed I should be glad to receive particulars with a view to inquiries being made.