HC Deb 29 April 1909 vol 4 cc631-2W
Mr. GOULDING

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Eliabeth O'Brien, at the Westminster Police Court, on Monday, where it was alleged that all she could earn by continuous work was 1s. a day; that the pay was 3¾d. for basting and finishing police trousers, nearly four hours' needlework; and whether these rates are permitted to be paid by contractors who supply police clothing?

Mr. ALDEN

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Messrs. Dolan and Company, police and army clothing contractors, who employed the widow, Elizabeth O'Brien, lately charged with attempting to commit suicide, stated that she could only make 6s. a week if putting in full time; and whether he is satisfied that standard rates of wages were paid in the case of this firm?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I will answer these two questions together. The firms named do not hold a Metropolitan Police contract, and I have no power to supervise the terms of any contracts into which local authorities may enter for the supply of police clothing. Metropolitan Police contracts contain the fair wages clause.