§ 11. Mr. MACLEANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a private company, Sir John Jackson (Singapore), Limited, has been formed to take over the contract between the Admiralty and Sir John Jackson, Limited; whether he can state if such contract can be transferred without the sanction of his Department; whether such sanction was asked for and obtained; and, if so, what reasons, if any, were submitted to justify the transfer of the contract?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, Sir, and I am afraid the hon. Member has entirely misconceived the object of this step, which has been taken at the wish of the Admiralty in order that the firm's arrangements for carrying out this very large contract may be kept quite separate from their arrangements in regard to other undertakings which they have in hand. The formation of the subsidiary company does not relieve the parent company of their obligations for the due fulfilment of the contract.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to put the whole conditions of the contract with Sir John Jackson, Limited, on the Table of the House, so that hon. Members will be able to realise for themselves the powers which have been given to this company and the various obligations which have been entered into by the Government?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not think that would be in accordance with practice.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it the case that the Government can allow a firm with whom they have contracted for particular work on behalf of the Government to form a separate company to carry on the contract without this House knowing anything about it?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMAN: My first answer covers all the points.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESDoes the contract guarantee reasonable wages and housing conditions for the workmen employed by this firm?
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ Mr. TAYLORMay I ask whether hon. Members can secure anywhere the specifications and terms and conditions of this contract; is there any avenue of information?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI should like to see that question on the Paper.