§ Captain O'GRADYasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that some contractors undertaking Government work refuse to pay their workpeople the terms agreed upon by interim and joint industrial councils; and, having regard to this fact, will he issue instructions to all spending Departments of State, when accepting tenders, that agreements of industrial councils are to be construed as though such agreements were the Fair Wage Clause and applicable to all contracts where no Fair Wage Clause can be said to exist?
§ Mr. BALDWINAs the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, the Fair Wages Resolution of this House provides that persons holding Government contracts shall pay rates of wages and observe hours of labour not less favourable than those commonly recognised by employers and trade societies (or in the absence of such recognised wages and hours, those which in practice prevail amongst good employers) in the trade in the district where the work is carried out. This Resolution operates in the case of all contracts placed by Government2194W Departments and its observance is always required. I see no need, therefore, to issue further instructions on this matter.