22. Marquess of CLYDESDALEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has satisfied himself by inquiry that Messrs. Jamieson and Company, sheet metal workers, 55–57, Rimsdale Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow, S.E., not only pay wages in accordance with the trades union rate but that the employés receive wages in excess of those generally paid in the trade; and whether he accepts this firm as in every way eligible to receive Admiralty contracts?
Mr. LINDSAYThe Admiralty have no reason to doubt that Messrs. Jamieson and Company are fulfilling the undertaking, which they gave before being noted on the Admiralty List, that they would strictly observe the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons. As stated in reply to questions on 12th and 16th March, Messrs. Jamieson and Company have no Admiralty orders, and no need for investigating the wages paid by them has therefore arisen, but, in view of the exceptional publicity which has been given to the matter, an opportunity to do so will be taken when the Admiralty inspector visits Scotland in a few weeks time.
Marquess of CLYDESDALEIn view of the visit just referred to, and after further inquiry has been made, will the hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a more definite statement to the House, 2758 that this firm have always complied with Admiraltly requirements, and that the statement made on 12th March is entirely without foundation?
§ Mr. STEPHENBefore he replies, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the question of 12th March was put on information supplied by a friend of mine in Glasgow whom I have always found reliable, and will the hon. Gentleman expedite inquiry into this matter so that the position may be cleared up and the true position be fully stated?