Mr. T. WILSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Mr. M'Lennan, contractor, of Invergordon, who is carrying out work for the Admiralty, is paying the joiners employed on the work 1d. per hour less than the standard wage of the district; that the men employed by this firm have to work one hour per day more than the recognised hours in the district for the lower rate paid by the firm; that the representatives of the men have appealed to Mr. M'Lennan to observe the conditions of the Fair-Wages Clause, but he refused to do so; and whether, in view of this refusal, he will cancel any contracts this firm have in hand for the Admiralty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question raised is receiving consideration. There are apparently no definite standard rates and hours for the district of Invergordon, and 1853W it is considered that Mr. M'Lennan has in the past complied with the conditions of the Fair-Wages Clause of his contract. Further investigations are, however, being made in the matter.