asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will take steps to ensure that persons who desire to avail of the benefit of the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts in respect of the State's guarantee for loans will be required to undertake that the "Fair Wages" clause will be observed in respect of any persons employed by them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fair Wages Clause Observance.
I am of opinion that the difficulty of enforcing a "Fair Wages" clause in agreements under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts would be so considerable as to outweigh any possible advantages which might be expected from its adoption.
Do I understand from the Minister's answer that it is proposed to continue to make available to certain persons the benefits of the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Act to enable those persons to establish industries, without the State making any effective efforts to control the rate of wages which is being paid in some of those industries, and of which the Minister must be aware, especially if any reports are asked for by the inspector in his own Department?
There is a practice at present recognised for determining the rates of wages in any industrial occupation. If, in the opinion of the Deputy, the existing practice is inadequate to that end, we can consider alternative methods, but I have not heard the Deputy express that opinion as yet.
Do I understand, Sir, that the position is that if a person receives some thousands of pounds under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Act, notwithstanding what intolerably low rate of wages may be paid the State is bound to continue the guarantee, and even to continue to consider such applications in spite of the fact that they have no guarantee from the person concerned that he is going to pay a decent rate of wages in those industries?
I would refer the Deputy to what I have already said. I am willing to discuss the matter with him at any time.
I would refer the Minister to the coolie rate of wages paid in some of those industries.