§ Mr. BRIANTasked the Secretary of State for India if contractors for the making of packing-cases for Government departments are bound to pay their men such increases as are awarded; if John 849W Witney, contractor to the India Store Depot, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, is paying the increase of 4d. per hour granted to case-makers; if not, whether he will see that such increase is paid, together with any arrears due on this account; and if he will take steps from time to time to ascertain that all contractors pay the agreed district rate and thus prevent unfair competition by such contractors as may endeavour to evade the terms of the contracts?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am informed by the High Commissioner for India that the contractor named is bound by the conditions of his contract to observe the Fair Wages Clause, and that he has now agreed to pay the increase granted with arrears. Experience has shown that in ordinary circumstances it may reasonably be left to the workers' representative, to bring to notice any failure on the part of their employers to observe the Fair Wages Clause. I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for calling attention to this particular case.