§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether further 1498W complaints have been received in respect of the failure of Messrs. Gurteen and Sons, Army clothing contractors, Haverhill, to comply with the requirements of the Fair-Wages Clause, especially as regards certain pressers whose rates the firm endeavoured to reduce after these had been increased under pressure from the War Office; and also as regards certain stock-keepers and warehousemen, some of whom are alleged to be receiving only slightly more than £1 per week; whether the case of this firm has been before the Department for several months; and, if so, whether the Department will without further delay compel their acceptance of the conditions of the Fair-Wages Clause?
§ Mr. FORSTERA further investigation of the conditions at this firm's premises was made yesterday. I have not yet received information as to the result. Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to repeat his question next week.
§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any contracts for Army clothing have been given in the United States of America during the last six months; if so, of what description; and whether British contractors were first given an opportunity of tendering?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe only order for Army clothing placed in the United States during the last six months was 70,000 pairs of rubber thigh boots. This order was only given after every effort had been made to extend home manufacture and after the full capacity of British (including Canadian) manufacturers had been utilised. I may add that we are also getting some skins for leather jerkins, which will be made up in this country.