HC Deb 21 June 1933 vol 279 cc766-8
50. Mr. LUNN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in March last it was found that the firm of Messrs. Clements, Newling and Company, contractors to His Majesty's Stationery Office, were violating the Fair Wages Clause, and that several of the employes of the firm, some of them of many years service, were subsequently discharged for having given information on the matter; what action has been taken against the firm in question; and whether it is proposed to strike them off the list of contractors in view of these facts?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

A complaint that Messrs. Clements, Newling and Company were violating the conditions of the Fair Wages Clause was made by the National Union of Printing, Bookbinding and Paper Workers in February last. Investigation revealed certain irregularities which were put right by the firm. So far as I am aware the dismissals referred to in the question were in no way connected with the complaint in regard to the non-observance of the Fair Wages Clause.

Mr. LUNN

Does the hon. Member agree that the Fair Wages Clause ought to be observed when it has been passed by this House, and if I can prove to him that this firm have violated it and victimised certain of their employes, with service up to 40 years with them, will he take steps to see that such a firm is removed from the list of contractors supplying the Government?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have made inquiries and I have given an answer which shows that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension, but, if he has any other facts, I shall be only too happy to inquire into them.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Are we to understand that this firm has been deliberately evading the Fair Wages Clause and that their word has been taken, although it has been proved that they cannot keep their word in regard to the Fair Wages Clause?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I cannot accept that version of the facts, but I can assure the hon. Member that if he has any representations to make about this case I will certainly examine them.

Mr. BUCHANAN

How is it that a firm is maintained on the list of contractors when it has been shown to have been evading the Fair Wages Clause to the detriment of their competitors who did not evade it, and will the Financial Secretary take steps to see that this firm is not put in a privileged position as against their competitors?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

In regard to the complaints about dismissal put forward by the union and subsequently by a deputation from the London Printing and Kindred Trades Federation, the firm explained that the employes concerned had refused to fill in their daily dockets correctly and so prevented the firm from obtaining accurate information.

Mr. LUNN

Having given that statement from the employers, and I have a contradictory statement from the trade union concerned, will the hon. Member have an inquiry made into the matter so that we can be sure that a resolution passed by this House and agreed to by all parties will be carried into effect, and that the workmen will receive the benefit of it?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have already assured the hon. Member that if he has any further facts to bring to my notice I shall be willing to consider them.