§ Mr. Hamlingasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he will take to ensure that the fair wages clause is observed relating to building contracts entered into by Government Departments under which sub-contractors for labour only are engaged.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe Fair Wages Clause is included in all Government contracts. The contractor is responsible for the observance of the clause by his sub-contractors. I am not aware of any cases in which it has not been observed.
§ Mr. William Hamlingasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he will take to abolish sub-contracting for labour only in building contracts entered into by Government Departments.
§ Mr. PrenticeLabour only sub-contractors, and in particular self-employed operatives, are only used in exceptional circumstances on Government contracts.
As I announced to the House on 21st November, 1966, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I have decided to appoint an independent Committee to inquire into the subject of labour-only sub-contracting generally. My right hon. Friend will be making a further announcement about this in the near future.—[Vol. 736, c. 912.]