HC Deb 05 October 1931 vol 257 cc805-6
24. Major POLE

(for Mr. FREEMAN) asked the Postmaster-General whether any conditions as to wages and labour are laid down in the contracts entered into by His Majesty's Government for the carrying of British mails abroad; and, if so, will he state what they are?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

No conditions as regards wages have ever been laid down in any of the four existing contracts with steamship companies for the conveyance of British mails abroad; but the contracts contain a clause stipulating that the master and officers and at least three-fourths of the crew of every mail ship shall be British subjects.

Sir F. HALL

I noticed that two hon. Members rose to put this question. Have you not laid it down, Mr. Speaker, that before a Member asks a question which is in the name of another Member, he should receive an intimation from that Member?

Mr. SPEAKER

That certainly is the rule.

Mr. W. J. BROWN

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of the conditions of service existing in the British Postal Service, the Government regard themselves in a moral position to lay down conditions in contracts abroad?