§ 71. Mr. HAYDAYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a contract has been placed with Messrs. J. Murray and Sons, Corse Hill Quarry, Annan, for a number of headstones to be used in France in memory of the fallen soldiers; whether he is aware that this firm are paying to workmen in their employ less than the standard rate of the 1222 district, thereby violating the Fair-wages Clause; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThis is one of a number of firms throughout the country, with whom the Imperial War Graves Commission has placed a contract for the making of headstones. The Commission inserted in this as in all other such contracts a Clause embodying the terms of the Resolution passed by the House of Commons on 10th March, 1909, as to fair wages, assignment of the contract and sub-letting. The Commission has received no complaint of any breach of those terms, but inquiries will be made, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will furnish me with any information he has received on the subject of his complaint.
§ Mr. BILLINGDo the Government make it a condition that every man working on a contract must be a member of a trade union? If not, how long is it since the Government became agents for trade unions?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not able to answer offhand, but the Resolution has been referred to and the hon. Gentleman will find it in, the proceedings of this House.