Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the North British Rubber Company and the Victoria Rubber Company, contractors to the Admiralty, are employing girl's to a very large extent on work that in previous contracts was done at Raunds by male labour at good wages, and that these girls are only paid from 12s. to 14s. per week; whether he is aware that these firms employ men at a wage of about 23s. a week, the district rate being about 30s.; and whether he will have inquiry made into the matter and secure strict compliance with the Fair-Wages Clause in the interests of the workpeople and for the protection of those firms who do observe the Clause in question and employ male labour at good prices?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo such information has reached the Admiralty, but in view of the statements now made by my hon. Friend, steps will be taken to investigate the question whether these two firms are complying with the Fair-Wages Clause in executing Admiralty contracts.