HC Deb 10 July 1923 vol 166 cc1192-3W
Mr. TURNER

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the case of the firm of Messrs. Hammonds, clothing contractors, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, who are in receipt of a large clothing contract from his Department, he is aware of a stoppage having taken place as a result of the firm declining to discuss the question of the prices to be paid with the accredited representative of the workpeople's trade union (the Tailors' and Garment Workers'); and what action, if any, he has taken or proposes to take in the matter?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a stoppage has taken place at the works of Messrs. Hammonds, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, who are in receipt of a clothing contract from his Department, in connection with the contract; that the stoppage is due to the firm having refused to negotiate with the representatives of the trade union to which workers belong; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I have learned of the stoppage with regret, but so long as the Fair Wages Clause in the contract is observed, there is no ground on which I could properly intervene.