HC Deb 23 July 1925 vol 186 cc2411-2
90. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the firm of Messrs, Burley, Smeed and Dean, Sittingbourne, contractors to the Admiralty, refuse to recognise or pay the rates and conditions agreed to by the National Joint Industrial Council for the cement manufacturing industry; and whether he will take action in the matter?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I understand that the firms of Messrs. C. Burley, Ltd., and Messrs. Smeed, Dean and Co., Ltd., are not parties to the agreement of the Industrial Council concerning the wages and conditions in the cement manufacturing industry; the fact that the firms named do not recognise the agreement referred to does not afford any ground for action by the Admiralty.

Mr. THORNE

Is my hon. Friend not aware that the major part of the firms now engaged are paying in accordance with an agreement set up in the industry, and does he not think that an agreement which covers the area is a Fair Wages Clause?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I am afraid I cannot agree with my hon. Friend. We cannot intervene in this matter unless the Fair Wages Clause has been infringed.

Mr. THORNE

What is the definition of the Fair Wages Clause? When an agreement has been arrived between masters and workmen over a given area, does not that mean that Fair Wages Clause is included in the agreement?

Mr. DAVIDSON

This firm is not included in that agreement for a Fair Wages Clause.

Mr. THORNE

That has nothing to do with it.