§ 1. Mr. HEPWORTHasked the Secretary of State for India whether a fair-wages clause is insisted on in connection with all contracts entered into with his Department?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)All contracts for the supply of goods entered into by the India Office include a fair-wages clause, but there is no such clause in contracts entered into by the High Commissioner. As the Government of India would be unable in practice to enforce a clause of the kind in respect of contracts placed abroad by the Indian Store Department in India, the insertion of a clause in contracts placed in this country by the London Stores Department would be undesirable. The High Commissioner, however, keeps himself informed of all firms which have been struck off the British Government approved list on account of the non-observance of the clause, with a view to refusing to countenance serious objectionable practices followed by tenderers.
§ Mr. T. SMITHIf I submit a case to the hon. Gentleman, will he look into it?
§ Mr. BUTLERCertainly.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the fair-wages clause similar to what we have in this country?
§ Mr. BUTLERI will certainly investigate it.