HC Deb 02 December 1937 vol 329 cc2225-6
11. Sir Cooper Rawson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to say if any progress has been made towards establishing the principle that the rate of wages agreed upon by the Joint Industrial Council for the district should be regarded as the standard rate which is to be observed in order to comply with the fair wages clause in public contracts; and whether he has any plan for enforcing the observance of this clause by sub-contractors and agents, as well as by the main contractor?

Mr. E. Brown

I have recently appointed a committee to consider whether any changes are desirable or practicable in the working of the fair wages clause as embodied in Government contracts. The points raised by my hon. Friend are appropriate for consideration by this committee and I must await their report.

Mr. Mander

Has the Minister any idea when the report is likely to be received?

Mr. Brown

The committee are just now taking evidence. They were taking evidence from the Trade Union Council on 18th November.