HC Deb 28 July 1915 vol 73 cc2294-5W
Mr. T. WILSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he has received a complaint against the firm of Messrs. C. J. Wills and Company, of Haven Side, Grimsby, to the effect that the firm refuses to pay the proper overtime rate to the joiners employed by the firm on work for certain forts in the vicinity of Grimsby; if he is aware that the firm will not discuss the matter with the men's representative; and whether he will take steps to compel this firm to comply with the provisions of the Fair-Wages Clause?

Mr. FORSTER

No complaint has been received as to the rate of wages paid for overtime to the joiners employed by Messrs. C. J. Wills and Sons, Limited, on the work referred to, but inquiry is being made into the matter.

Mr. WILSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that a firm named W. H. Thomas and Sons, Limited, of Oswestry, that is making horse-shoe boxes for the War Office, is employing girls and women to do the work; that they are paying them at the rate of 2d. per hour; that last week the firm discharged eleven skilled workmen, though the reason given for starting women on the work was that the firm could not obtain male labour; and whether he will strike this firm off the list of contractors to the War Office?

Mr. FORSTER

No complaint of the character referred to has been received by the War Department, but inquiry will be made into the matter.

Mr. WILSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Mr. B. W. Smith, of Grimsby, who has a contract for supplying forms to the War Office, is letting the making of them piecework, that he refuses to pay either day or hour rate; that joiners sent by the Labour Exchange to this employer cannot accept employment with him, as he is working contrary to the rules and customs of the trade; and whether he will compel this employer to observe the conditions of the Fair-Wages Clause?

Mr. FORSTER

I have not received any complaint regarding the firm in question, and cannot trace that they hold any War Office orders.