§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Board of Trade if it is the intention to collect and publish information in regard to earnings, hours of labour, and the social condition of the workpeople of Spain, Italy, and Russia on similar lines to the Reports already issued dealing with France, Germany, and Belgium?
Mr. BUXTONThere is no present intention of undertaking an investigation of the character suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWould the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision with regard to these countries in view of the fact that the workers in these countries are without protection?
Mr. BUXTONI think the reason why we did not extend the inquiry to these inquiries was that we wished to deal first with those countries as to which a comparison could be made usefully with our country, and I do not know that any considerable advantage would be gained by a comparison with Spain and Russia. If it was felt that the inquiry could usefully be extended, of course we should do so. These inquiries are, however, somewhat expensive.