asked the Secretary of State for Employment in view of the fact that the 1946 Fair Wages Resolution provides for a Government contractor to pay rates of wages not less favourable than the general level of wages observed by other employers whose general circumstances in the trade or industry in which the contractor is engaged are similar, what steps he proposes to take to see that the Newton Derby Company fulfils its obligations under the Fair Wages Resolution, as a Government contractor to the Ministry of Defence.

The Association of Professional, Executive, Clerical and Computer Staff has made a formal complaint against the company under the Fair Wages Resolution. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service is seeking to help the parties to reach a settlement. Should a conciliated settlement not prove possible I shall refer the matter to the Central Arbitration Committee for a decision.