§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the India Office is bound by the Fair Wage standard in respect of orders for India; and, if so, why the Indian taxpayer is bound by a 2286W standard which, while it increases the cost of stores provided for him, does not in any way benefit himself?
§ Mr. H. BAKERIn accordance with the Resolutions passed by this House in 1891 and 1909 the Secretary of State in Council includes in his contracts a Fair-Wages Clause similar to that adopted in other contracting Departments. Even if it were possible, my Noble Friend does not consider that it would be in the interest of India to attempt to enforce a lower standard of wages in work done for him than that paid by other Departments of State in similar conditions.
§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Under - Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, who are contractors to his Department, pay 2s. less per week to their workmen and Is. 7d. per week less to the workwomen employed at their Chippenham factory than the same firm pays to similar workpeople at Staverton, in the same immediate district, and that they are employing their workmen at Chippenham five hours more per week than the employes of the same firm at Staverton and six hours more per week than workmen of the same grade at Melksham, Wilts; and whether he will make immediate inquiry into the matter with a view to the firm carrying out the Fair-Wages Clause in their contract?