47. Captain A. EVANSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that for some years past a Cardiff firm has had a contract with His Majesty's Stationery Office for the printing of the voters' list but failed to observe the fair wages clause, and that the local employers' association and trades union have taken steps jointly to see that proper rates of wages are paid in future; and whether the comptroller of His Majesty's Stationery Office has taken similar action to that of the Cardiff Corporation to see that employés, who have suffered financial loss since the commencement of this contract, receive the back pay due to them under the fair wages clause?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAA complaint was recently received that a certain firm in Cardiff holding printing contracts from the Stationery Office was not observing the fair wages clause. On investigation, it was established that the complaint was well founded, and correct wages are now being paid. In cases of this kind the contractor, in addition to paying correct wages for the future, is normally expected to take all reasonable steps to rectify the position in 1890 respect of the period prior to the complaint, and I understand that the Stationery Office is in communication with the firm on the subject.
Captain EVANSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that even now 50 per cent. of the people employed by this firm on the contract with the Stationery Office are receiving less than the trade union rate, and will he investigate the matter with a view to cancelling the contract, because it is unfair to firms who compete with them who do comply with the fair wages clause?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI was not aware of the facts that the hon. and gallant Gentleman states. This is a complicated case. He may rest assured that, if the Stationery Office does not receive satisfaction, the firm will not be invited to tender for further contracts.