HC Deb 29 September 1931 vol 257 cc196-7
26. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reconsider his decision in regard to contracts made for carrying British mails abroad, and insist on a fair-wage clause in all future contracts?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

No, Sir. I do not propose to make any change in the policy adopted by my predecessors, as regards this question.

Mr. FREEMAN

Are any conditions as to labour and wages laid down in these contracts?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I must have notice of that question. I have nothing to add to the full reply which was given to a previous question.

Sir WILLIAM MITCHELL-THOMSON

Is it not a fact that under the Standing Orders all these contracts have to be approved by the House of Commons.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

That is so.

Mr. FREEMAN

Is it not the case that by sanctioning this blackleg labour—

HON. MEMBERS

Order!

Persons resident in the Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green on the Registers of Employment Exchanges.
Date. Men. Women. Juveniles. Total.
1928.
16th July … … 2,270 489 57 2,816
13th August … … 2,411 532 122 3,065
17tb September … … 2,403 319 35 2,757
1929.
15th July … … 2,274 404 47 2,725
12th August … … 2,224 388 68 2,680
16th September … … 2,194 260 21 2,475
1930.
14th July … … 3,939 668 86 4,693
11th August … … 4,210 692 128 5,030
15th September … … 4,031 535 95 4,661
1931.
13th July … … 5,633 1,276 129 7,038
17th August … … 5,724 1,322 172 7,218
14th September … … 5,307 1,212 142 6,661