Wages, Inverkeithing (Messrs Ward)

Mr. W. WATSON
asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the rate of wages being paid by Messrs. Ward, ship-breaking contractors, at Inverkeithing Bay; whether he is aware that the rate paid is lower than the rate ruling in the district; and will be bring pressure to bear upon this firm to pay trade union rates of wages in Government contract work?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL
A complaint has been received from the Workers' Union (Limekilns branch) that Messrs. Ward are not paying their workmen the recognised rate at Inverkeithing, and the matter is being investigated.