HC Deb 24 November 1938 vol 341 cc1984-5W
Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Government fair-wages clauses has been, or will be, included in all contracts for new aircraft in Canada or in any other Dominion or foreign country?

Captain Balfour

A clause equivalent to the Fair Wages Clause is being included in the contracts for the manufacture of aircraft in Canada, requiring that the rates of wages and conditions of employment shall comply with the practice prevailing in respect of contracts to which His Majesty's Government in Canada is a party. The contracts with United States firms for the supply of training and general reconnaissance aircraft include an undertaking by the firms to pay rates of wages and observe hours of labour not less favourable than those commonly recognised in the aircraft industry in the United States. There are no other contracts for the manufacture of aircraft for the Royal Air Force outside the United Kingdom.

Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the contracts for new aircraft being placed in Canada include any wood or wood and metal aircraft?

Captain Balfour

No, Sir. Aircraft ordered under the contracts in question will be all-metal types.