HC Deb 27 February 1924 vol 170 cc468-70
80. Captain TERRELL

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government proposes to introduce legislation to carry out the Washington Convention dealing with the imposition of an eight-hour day; and whether, in that case, the eight-hour day will apply to agricultural workers, seamen, domestic servants and shop assistants?

Mr. SHAW

I propose to introduce legislation at an early date dealing with the Washington Hours Convention. The provisions of the Convention do not apply to agricultural workers, seamen, domestic servants or shop assistants.

Mr. J. MILLS

Will the Minister of Labour consider the advisability of applying this principle to Members of Parliament?

Captain TERRELL

Are we to take it that the Bill will not apply to agricultural workers, seamen and domestic servants?

Mr. SHAW

The Washington Convention specifically excludes certain types of workers. If hon. Gentlemen on the other side wish to include those workers I think they will find sturdy allies on this side of the House.

Mr. B. SMITH

When considering the legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to bring within the purview of the Bill the seamen of this country, having regard to the fact that other countries have already done so and are claiming to get out of it on the ground that we have not followed the Convention?

Mr. SHAW

The presentation of the Convention to this House is looked upon by the present Government as the only thing that can honourably be done to meet our obligations. It is the only thing that I am, for the moment, prepared to do. If any hon. Members wish to add to the Bill, that is for the House itself to decide. My business is to keep our word with the other countries.

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

Is it not a fact that this Convention was presented to the House in 1921 by the Government of which the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) was Prime Minister.

Mr. SHAW

I was in the House then, and, as far as I know, the Convention has never been placed before the competent authority for its ratification or otherwise.

Sir G. DOYLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many, if any, foreign Governments have ratified the Convention?

Mr. SHAW

I cannot on the spur of the moment give an answer, but I know that when we came back from Washington, Holland passed a 44-hours law, Switzerland passed a 48-hours Bill, France passed a 48-hours Bill, and even Germany, by decree, instituted a 44-hours Bill.

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, during the last meeting at Geneva, the German workers' representative said that they refused to be bound by this matter, and that they were going to work nine and possibly ten hours a day?

Mr. SHAW

I know that in 1920, when the delegates to Washington returned, our Government never put the Convention before this House. I know that the Germans did by law introduce a week of less than 48 hours. I know also that 1923 is not 1920, when we ought to have kept our word.

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that the German decree enforcing that has now been rescinded, and that they are at present working nine and ten hours a day?

Mr. SHAW

I do not deny that certain steps are being taken in Germany. I know the facts, but what is taking place in Germany cannot absolve us from keeping our word.

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot carry this matter any further to-day.