§ 56. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in the works of the Scottish Oils Company, in which the Government have a large holding, a dispute is in progress as a result of which bricklayers are being paid less than the district rate; whether steps will be taken to induce the firm to comply with the Fair Wage Clause; and whether he can state the rate paid 1174 at the works of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company at Swansea?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Government has no holding in the Scottish Oils Company, but through the Anglo-Persian Oil Company has an indirect and comparatively very minor interest. I am informed that bricklayers employed in the oilworks are members of the Oilworkers' Union, and their wages are regulated through that union by reference to the wages of other workers in the oil industry. In reply to the last part of the question, I understand that the bricklayers at Skewen are paid the district rate.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not a fact that the Scottish Oils Company is part of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, and that, therefore, the Government have an interest in the Scottish Oils Company?
§ Mr. BALDWINI said so.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIn view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that the bricklayers are paid the rate paid to bricklayers in the district?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have no power in this matter, because the Fair Wages Clause, to which the hon. Member alludes, holds good only with regard to direct contractors with the Government and to men in direct Government service. It does not hold good with regard to the few instances in which the Government happen to be shareholders to some extent in companies. That is the difficulty.
§ Mr. N. MACLEANIs it not the case that the Government are represented by two directors on the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?
§ Mr. BALDWINThat is so, but that is for a special reason and on special terms, which I think my hon. Friend has heard debated in this House before.