HC Deb 21 July 1924 vol 176 c868
33. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH - BENTINCK

asked the, Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statements of the German Government and employers' delegates at the International Labour Conference in Geneva last month regarding the necessity of prolonging the hours of work in industry in Germany to meet the requirements of the Experts' Report; and whether the British government will urge the Allied negotiators to use all possible influence to secure a simultaneous ratification of the Eight-hours' Day Convention by France, Germany, and Great Britain?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I am doubtful whether the Noble Lord's suggestion, if adopted, would have the effect of expediting the early ratification of the Convention which His Majesty's Government desire.

Captain BENN

Dees the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement that the execution of the Report does involve the prolongation of the working hours in Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER

Quite the contrary. I believe that it is purely fictitious that that would be the result of putting the Report into operation. I have gone very carefully into that matter personally.