HC Deb 11 July 1922 vol 156 cc1047-8
50. Mr. G. BARNES

asked the Lord Privy Sea! if he can yet name a day for the presentation to the House of the conventions and recommendations arising out of the last Labour Conference?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot at present add anything to the answer which was given to my right hon. Friend on Tuesday last.

Mr. BARNES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have received no reply at all, and, further, that 12 months is the normal period within which these conventions ought to be submitted to the competent authorities, and that I have been worrying the Minister of Labour for the last month or two and got no reply at all; and, further, will he see that some representations are made to the Minister in the sense that this obligation is not a mere scrap of paper, but an honourable bond?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I furnished myself with the text of the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the right hon. Member on Tuesday last. It was to this effect These recommendations are being considered by the Government, and I am not in a position to make any definite statement on the subject at present. I cannot add anything to that now. I notice that the right hon. Gentleman made the same supplementary comment then that he has made to-day, and I have no doubt that these comments will be duly weighed.

Mr. BARNES

Will my right hon. Friend make representations to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I shall certainly tell the Prime Minister what my right hon. Friend has said.

Mr. T. GRIFFITHS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this country was responsible for the labour charter included in these treaties, and does he not think it is incumbent on this country to put these Conventions into operation in order to set other countries an example?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question