37. Mr. REMERasked the Parliamentry Secretary to the Oversea Trade Department whether he is aware that Japanese operatives manufacturing silk in Japan are paid l0d. for a day of thirteen hours; and whether, before making commercial treaties with this or any other foreign country allowing free imports into this country, he will specify that foreign - operatives must be paid British trade union wages and factory conditions on the same basis?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)I have no knowledge that l0d. is paid to silk operatives in Japan for thirteen hours work. With reference to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Labour Clauses of the Peace Treaty.
§ Sir E. CARSONMay I ask, Do the Government ever take any pains to ascertain the cost of production in other countries by means of cheap labour?
§ Mr. BR1DGEMANYes, Sir, they do. All I said was that I could not vouch for the accuracy of this particular statement.
Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask if the Japanese Government is a party to the Labour Convention of the Peace Treaty?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is a matter for the Foreign Office.