§ Mr. BENJAMIN SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a firm of contractors to his Department have been advertising for lorries and vans with drivers for a military manoeuvres contract between 26th July and 18th September, vehicles to be not more than four years old and A, B or C licences to be eligible; whether he is satisfied that this work can be carried out by A and B licence-holders: and 1749W whether the firm of Government contractors has the approval of his Department in advertising for C licence-holders to make contracts in apparent contravention of the law?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERMy attention had not been called to this matter, as contracts for transport are placed by local military authorities; but, if the hon. Member will be good enough to furnish me with further details, I will look into the matter and communicate with him.
§ Mr. BENJAMIN SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the proposed employment of C-licence holders under the Road Traffic Act, 1933, on Government contract work, what precautions have been taken by him to see that fair wages and conditions in accordance with the National Conciliation Board agreement will be adhered to?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERIt is a condition of all transport contracts placed by my Department that the contractor shall observe and fulfil the obligations of the Resolution passed by this House on the 10th March, 1909, and any alleged breach of this condition brought to notice is investigated.