§ Mr. MILLS (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Government contractors in Erith, Acton, Manchester and other cities, are refusing to enlarge their working staff, but are still working existing staffs in some cases 30 hours per week overtime; that the excuse given by the various firms in question is that time limits are insisted upon by War Office, Admiralty, Post Office and Air Ministry, and whether in view of the continued trade depression he will consider the insertion of a Clause in future contracts and appeal to those working present contracts to widen the area of employment by working normal hours in their factories?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. William Graham)So far as can be ascertained very little if any overtime is being worked by firms in the districts named on orders placed by Government Departments; but if my hon. Friend has any specific cases in mind and will communicate with the Departments concerned further inquiry will be made. As regards the last part of the question, it is the policy of Departments where possible to encourage firms to work ordinary time only and not overtime on Government contracts, any increase in labour necessitated by the contract being met by the employment of additional labour; but it would not be practicable to insert in Government contracts a Clause specifically stipulating that no overtime should be worked on such contracts.