§ 25. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a French polisher who applied to his tribunal for exemption on the ground that he was working on the new military works at Cippenham, Slough, and that this was 1021 work of national importance, and during the hearing of which case a member of the tribunal, on learning what his wages were, stated that they were double the trade union rate of pay; whether the men in this work are, engaged by a sub-contractor; and whether he will make some special inquiries into the method of taking on men, in view of the statements made at the tribunal?
§ The UNDERSECRETARY Of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)My attention had not been previously drawn to the particular case mentioned, but my hon. and gallant Friend has now furnished further details, and I will have inquiry made. Men are engaged through the Labour Exchange and are paid the authorised rates of wages. Only a few men are employed by a contractor.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMAre these men considered to be engaged in work of national importance?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think so.
§ 26. Captain CARR-GOMMasked whether the gravel at the Cippenham site, recently taken for a motor-spirit depot, is only suitable after treatment; and whether expensive plant has to be put up in order to treat it?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply yesterday to a similar question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Buckinghamshire.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMMight I have an answer to the last part of my question—whether a large plant has to be erected?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI believe a certain amount of plant has had to be erected; whether expensive or not I cannot say.