HC Deb 12 May 1924 vol 173 cc934-6W
Mr. BAKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Frome Rural District Council have sublet quarries near Wells on a contract, and that the rates of wages paid by the contractor are as low as 8½d. per hour; and whether he will insist upon the provisions of the Fair Wages Clauses?

Mr. GOSLING

I am making inquiries into the matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

Mr. BAKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain local authorities in the West of England are refusing to pay the rates fixed by the National Joint Industrial Council for the quarry industry; and whether he will exert pressure to secure proper rates of pay in accordance with the Fair Wages Clause?

Mr. GOSLING

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to a question on the same subject given to him in the House this afternoon.

Mr. F. GOULD

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Somerset County Council are paying as low as 30s. per week to workers in the quarries near Williton; and whether he will see that the rates of wages agreed to by the National Joint Industrial Council are paid by this council?

Mr. GOSLING

So far as I am aware, the Somerset County Council are not operating any quarries near Williton.

Mr. BAKER

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the refusal of a number of local authorities in the West of England to pay the agreed rates decided upon by the National Joint Industrial Council for the Granite and Roadstone Trade, despite the inclusion of the Fair Wages Clause in all contracts, he will agree to receive a deputation from the National Industrial Council?

Mr. F. GOULD

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain local authorities in the West of England are jeopardising the wage agreement reached by the National Joint Industrial Council for the Granite and Roadstone Trade by paying less than the agreed rates; and whether he will insist that the Fair Wages Clause compels local authorities to pay the rates laid down in the agreement of the National Joint Industrial Council?

Mr. GOSLING

I am not aware that the Fair Wages Clause was not being observed, but I am inquiring into the matter, and will, if necessary, arrange that a deputation should be received.