HC Deb 04 March 1929 vol 226 cc16-7
32. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the name of the firm who contract for the cleaning of the windows of the Palace of Westminster; whether the employés of the firm are engaged on day, task or piece work; the rate of pay and number of hours worked per day; and if the firm in question are covered by the Fair Wage Clause affecting Government contracts?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)

The firm is the Great Metropolitan Window Cleaning Company, Limited. Ordinary employés are engaged on day work at wages varying from 1s. to 1s. 3d. an hour, according to their experience, and work nine hours a day, except on Saturdays, when they work five hours. The Fair Wages Resolution is incorporated in the contract conditions.

Mr. THORNE

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to make representations to the First Commissioner with a view to getting back to the old system in operation about five years ago, and having these men under his own control? Then the windows will be cleaned very much better.

Sir V. HENDERSON

I will convey that suggestion to my noble Friend.