§ 55. Mr. Messerasked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Fair Wages Clause of the Government Contracts Act is applied to the manufacture of imported goods; whether he is aware of the conditions under which Aichiken plywood is manufactured in Japan; and whether official sanction has been given for the use of this material in His Majesty's Office of Works contracts?
§ The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)In contracts under which imported goods are accepted, the Fair Wages Clause operates in respect of all services performed in this country; it is impracticable to ensure its observance abroad. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the negative.
§ Mr. MesserIn view of the reply to the latter part of the question, will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries, as I have a sample of wood which is being used by firms engaged on Office of Works contracts?
§ Sir P. SassoonI shall be glad to have it, but I have no information.