HC Deb 04 March 1929 vol 226 c33
20. Miss LAWRENCE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in the draft contract submitted for works in connection with the concession to Mr. Novomeysky for the exploration of the Dead Sea a fair-wage clause was inserted?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No. Any concession that may be granted would be subject to future legislation of a general character affecting conditions of employment in Palestine and Trans-Jordan; but I do not think that the Governments of those territories could require any particular concessionaires to accept special labour conditions not imposed by law upon other employers.

Miss LAWRENCE

Is it a fact that there is no Fair Wage Clause of any kind in the contracts issued on behalf of the Palestine Government?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Yes, in all Government undertakings there are Clauses of that kind, but in the ordinary enterprise that takes place in that country as yet there is no such limitation.