57. Sir F. HALLasked the Lord Privy Seal if the delay in the passing of the Hours of Employment (No. 2) Bill is due 1319 principally or in part to the difficulty which has arisen on the question of the application of this limitation of hours to agriculture; and, if so, whether the Government intends to make the exclusion of agriculture a condition of the passing of the measure, in view of the serious effects which would result from applying the principle, under existing conditions, to that industry?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe delay in dealing with the Hours of Employment Bill is mainly due to the fact that conversations have been proceeding with regard to the position of agriculture in relation to the provisions of the Bill. Until the conferences referred to have definitely terminated it would be premature for the Government to come to a final determination.