HC Deb 24 July 1911 vol 28 cc1489-90W
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now state what action he proposes taking to secure the enforcement of the Fair-Wages Clause at Dowlais, where the moulders make the moulds for the ingots from which the plates for battleships are rolled, and also the various parts of the machinery employed in the rolling process, and where the pattern-makers make the patterns for the moulders, and are thus in both cases directly employed in connection with the contracts now being executed by Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold, on behalf of the Admiralty?

Mr. McKENNA

In reply to the hon. Member's question of the 12th July, I expressed my willingness to refer this point to the Fair-Wages Advisory Committee for an opinion, and I am in communication with the India Office on the subject.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the rates of pay to workmen engaged in connection with the Govern-ment contract for rails at Dowlais Iron-works; and what action he proposes to take to secure the proper observance of the Fair-Wages Clause attached to this contract?

Mr. EDGAR JONES

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to give the House any information as to the result of his inquiries concerning the wages paid to workmen engaged by Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettle-fold upon contracts for the Indian State railways?

Mr. MONTAGU

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Secretary of State is in communication with the other Departments concerned, and I hope to be able to make a statement shortly.