§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the instructions furnished to the British Delegate at the Swiss Labour Conference preclude him from entering into any discussion as to the limitation of hours of adult labour; and, if he will lay Copy of Instructions upon the Table?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONSir, the British delegates have not yet been nominated, but Her Majesty's Government have accepted the invitation to the Conference on certain conditions, one of which is that the British Government cannot discuss any limitation of adult male labour, or the imposition of any restrictions on production. It would not be convenient to lay the instructions on the Table.
§ MR. C. GRAHAMHas any other Power objected to discuss the reduction of the hours of labour?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONI must ask for notice of the question.
§ MR. J. MORLEY (Newcastle-on-Tyne)Are we really to understand that Her Majesty's Government have instructed their delegates not to enter on any discussion of adult male labour?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONNo delegates have been appointed, but the Swiss Government have been informed that Her Majesty's Government cannot discuss the question of restricting the hours of adult male labour.
§ MR. J. MORLEYThen I beg to give notice that on the earliest opportunity, even, if necessary, by moving the adjournment of the House, I shall draw attention to this extraordinary instruction.