§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a number of metal trade firms in Birmingham, including Messrs. Wilkes, Mapple-back and Company. Limited, Messrs. Elliotts, Limited, Selly Oak, and the Birmingham Battery Company, Limited, 945W Selly Oak, are engaged on contracts for the War Department, and that they refuse to pay to all workmen the overtime rates of wages in accordance with an agreement made between the Metal Trades Employers' Federation and the Workmen's Allied Trades Federation; and if he will have inquiry made into the matter and take action?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe firms mentioned hold War Department contracts. I am not aware of the fact stated in the second part of the question, but I will have inquiry made into the matter.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of metal trade firms in Birmingham, including Messrs. Wilkes, Mapple-back and Company, Limited, Messrs. Elliotts, Limited, Selly Oak, and the Birmingham Battery Company, Limited, Selly Oak, are engaged on contracts for the Admiralty, and that they refuse to pay to all workmen the overtime rates of wages in accordance with an agreement made between the Metal Trades Employers' Federation and the Workmen's Allied Trades Federation; and if he will have inquiry made into the matter and take action?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe firms mentioned hold Admiralty contracts. We have no information to the effect stated in the second part of the question. I understand that the War Office will investigate the matter, and the Admiralty will keep in touch with that Department.