HC Deb 21 May 1910 vol 116 cc370-1
37. Mr. REMER

asked 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. CARSON

May I ask, Do the Government ever take any pains to ascertain the cost of production in other countries by means of cheap labour?

Mr. BR1DGEMAN

Yes, Sir, they do. All I said was that I could not vouch for the accuracy of this particular statement.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask if the Japanese Government is a party to the Labour Convention of the Peace Treaty?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That is a matter for the Foreign Office.

Back to