Mr. J. JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the firm of Short and Mason, scientific instrument manufacturers, Walthamstow, held any contract with his Department; if so, whether he is aware that this firm broke off negotiations with the Amalgamated Instrument Makers' Society on questions of hours and employment and wages, and discharged several members of the union who had been in the service of the firm for many years; that the main body of the employés have been out on strike for ten weeks and the firm still refuse to negotiate; and whether any action can be taken by the Department under the Fair-Wages Clause?
Mr. HOPEThe Ministry of Munitions hold no contracts with this firm, and are not, therefore, in a position to take any action suggested in the question.