§ 8. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the wages paid and the number of hours worked by those employed in factories established in this country by foreign firms, with a view to finding out whether those conditions are up to British standards; and whether any lower standards which may prevail in those factories operate unfairly in competition as between articles produced by those firms and similar manufactures produced by British firms?
Mr. HUDSONNo, Sir, but if the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, I shall be glad to consider them.
§ Mr. DAVIESDoes the hon. Gentleman's reply mean that, if I bring to his notice cases of very low wages paid by these firms, the Ministry of Labour can take action?
§ Mr. MACLEANDoes the hon. Gentleman mean that he is not prepared to make inquiries in order to see that these firms maintain a better standard of life for their workpeople?
Mr. HUDSONI am not prepared to undertake a roving inquiry all over the country to see if I can find individual cases.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSWould my hon. Friend consider the desirability of passing into law the Alien Manufacturers (Licensing) Bill?