HC Deb 23 June 1937 vol 325 cc1202-3
73. Mr. Parker

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury by whose authority and under what conditions a firm is entitled to advertise that it is a Government contractor; and whether any time limit exists in these cases.

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

No objection is taken by Departments to firms advertising in general terms that they are Government contractors, provided that the statements are in accordance with the facts of the case. No specific time-limit is imposed, but here again regard must be had to the facts.

Mr. Garro Jones

Would it not be well to impose some limit on the right of firms to call themselves Government contractors? Does the permission include sub-contractors—may they call themselves Government contractors?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

The hon. Member has raised another question which I should like to look into. There is no evidence that under the present arrangement the privilege is being abused, but if he has anything in mind, perhaps he will speak to me about it.

Mr. E. J. Williams

Is a sub-contractor obliged to comply with the Fair Wages Clause?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

The hon. Member is asking a separate question. The question that I was asked related to the conditions under which a firm might advertise itself as a Government contractor.