§ Mr. W. THORNEasked (1) the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether contracts on behalf of the Admiralty have been entered into with the Cape Asbestos Company, Barking whether he has received communications from the Joint Industrial Council for the Asbestos Trade to the effect that the council desires that the attention of the Admiralty shall be drawn to the rate of wages paid by this firm, with 466W the view of determining whether the wages paid by this firm satisfy the provisions of the fair wages clause; what action he proposes to take;
(2) the Minister of Labour, whether he is aware that the Joint Industrial Council for the Asbestos Trade resolved at their meeting on 21st March that a letter should be sent to the Ministry of Labour drawing attention to the low rate of wages paid by the Cape Asbestos Company, Barking, and asking that the attention of the Admiralty should be drawn to this question with the view of determining whether the wages paid by this firm satisfy the provisions of the fair-wages clause and what action has been taken?
§ Mr. AMERYMy reply to the first question covers the points raised in the second question, which I have been asked to answer. The answer to the first and second parts of the former question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the Admiralty is inquiring into the matter, and is asking the company for particulars as to the rates paid to the various classes of employés.