§ 67. Mr. MANDERasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the practice to insist that all firms receiving Government contracts shall officially recognise collective bargaining through the medium of trade unions?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir. The obligations of contracting departments in regard to labour employed by Government contractors are set out in the Fair Wages Resolution, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MANDERDoes not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that this is one condition that certainly ought to be laid down before any Government contracts are given?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEIf the hon. Member will study the Resolution to which I have referred, he will see how far the Government practice meets his point.
§ Mr. MAXTONAs this Fair Wages Clause is ineffective to secure decent wages in many industries, will the Government consider making it a reality instead of a farce?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI do not admit that it is a farce at the present time.