HC Deb 21 December 1937 vol 330 c1772
50. Mr. Short

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, when entering into contracts involving insurance, such as that for the building of a battleship, it is made a condition of such contract of insurance that the principle of collective bargaining is recognised by the insurance company concerned?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. Short

What does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean by that?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I mean, "No, Sir."

Mr. McEntee

In view of the fact that the Government themselves insert the fair wages clause in all their own contracts, why do they not insist on it being inserted in these contracts?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

There is nothing in the fair wages clause which involves the recognition of this principle, but there is a committee inquiring into the working of the fair wages clause, and if the hon. Member wishes to make any representations, he can properly do so to that committee.

Mr. McEntee

Is it not a fact that the fair wages clause is based on the principle of collective bargaining?