§ Major OWENasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the protests from the Pwllheli Unemployment Welfare Association, representing 320 members, and the Pwllheli branch of the British Legion, representing 300 members, against the action of one of the contractors engaged in preparing the site of the new aerodrome at Penyberth, Pwllheli, in engaging men other than through the local Employment Exchanges; whether he is aware that the wage paid by the said contractor, namely, 11d. per hour, is below the district rate for Government contracts and that certain men between the ages of 18 and 20 are only paid 8d. per hour, although they do the same work as those who are paid 11d. per hour; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy these matters?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEADAs regards the first part of the question I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible. As regards the second part, any suggestion that the Fair Wages394W Clause of the contract is not being observed is a matter for the Contracting Department concerned.