§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any of the Government Departments permit firms to accept contracts who have no intention of doing any of the work themselves, but sub-let the work to others; and, if not allowed, what action will be taken with regard to firms proved to have so acted?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI can only answer for Departments under my control, but the Fair-Wages Clause inserted in all Government contracts prohibits transference or assignment, direct or indirect, of any portion of a Government contract without the written permission of the Department, and prohibits altogether sub-letting other than that which may be customary in the trade concerned. Any infringement of this rule would be dealt with on its merits and, if necessary, by the termination of the contract.