§ 16. Mr. KELLYasked the Secretary of State for War how many cases of breaches of the Fair Wages Clause have been reported in regard to any contracts during the last five years?
§ Captain KINGDuring the last five years, 45 complaints of breach of the Fair Wages Clause in War Office contracts have been received, but in 24 of these cases it was found on investigation that no breach of the Clause had been committed.
§ Mr. KELLYIn cases where there have been breaches, was action taken with regard to the firms in question not having complied with the Clause?
§ Captain KINGI can only give the hon. Member details with notice, but we always see that the Clause is observed.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSHave any breaches occurred in connections with goods manufactured outside this country?
§ 18. Mr. CECIL WILSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is a condition of all contracts that a Fair Wages notice shall be exhibited on the work; if so, what steps are taken by the Department to see that this condition is observed; and whether such notice is now exhibited in the case of all contracts running?
§ Captain KINGGenerally it is a condition of War Office contracts that a Fair Wages notice shall be exhibited on the work. On grounds of expense, it is not 965 practicable to ensure by special inspection that all contractors exhibit the notice, and it is, therefore, not possible to state definitely that the notice is exhibited in the case of all contracts now running. If the hon. Member has in mind any Particular instances of breach of this Clause, and will give me particulars, I will look into them.
§ Mr. AMMONIs it the practice to insist on the Fair Wages Clause being observed by all contractors?
§ Captain KINGCertainly it is.
§ Mr. J. HUDSONWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an undertaking that, if he discovers that there are cases where the notice is not shown, contracts will not in future be given to those firms?
§ Captain KINGI could not give such an undertaking, but certainly, if the hon. Member brings to my notice any case where it is not exhibited, we will see that it is exhibited and that the terms of the contract are carried out.
§ Captain KINGSpeaking from memory, I think not.
§ Captain KINGNo, Sir, only a very small amount indeed. I think that, answering within recent months, I was able to say that only 0.3 of 1 per cent. of manufactured goods came from abroad.
§ 19. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Secretary of State for War what is the practice in his Department for ensuring that the Fair Wages Clause is observed in all contracts?
§ Captain KINGBefore a firm is placed on the War Department list, its works are inspected, particular attention being paid to the rates of wages and conditions of employment, and it is required to give a written undertaking to observe the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution. The Fair Wages Clause is inserted in all contracts, and any complaint that it is not being observed is at once investigated.