§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that Messrs. W. T. Ward have at present at Milford Haven four battleships, namely, the "Prince of Wales," "Amphitrite," "Argonaut," and the "Minotaur," and about a dozen destroyers for breaking up, and of complaints that the highest wage paid to labourers by this firm is £2 4s. per week, whereas the district rate is from £2 10s. to £ 4s., and that boys are employed on leaving school to learn acetylene burning, commencing at a wage of 10s. per week, rising to 15s. to 20s. per week when they become efficient, and if on piece-work are paid 1s. per ton less than the rate paid to men, and that, in order to obtain cheap labour, persons without previous experience are employed driving cranes, locomotives, and other machines, to the danger of themselves and others working near; and whether he will have inquiries made into these allegations and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure compliance with the Fair Wages Clause?
3170W
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLThe ships in question have been sold to Messrs. T. W. Ward, Limited, under a contract which contains the usual Fair Wages Clause. No complaint has been received that the conditions of this Clause are not being complied with by the firm at Milford Haven, but the allegations put forward by the hon. Member shall be inquired into.