HC Deb 19 June 1924 vol 174 cc2319-20
63. Sir F. HALL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what steps are being taken by the Government, in pursuance of the policy announced by him recently, to secure the international standardisation of labour conditions so as to ensure fair play in regard to commercial and industrial competition between different nations; and if he will state what measures the Government intend to take to protect British trade with respect to competition by countries which refuse to adopt standardised labour conditions?

Mr. SMITH

I presume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to a speech I made at Stafford last week

Sir F. HALL

Hear, hear!

Mr. SMITH

One of the aims of the International Labour Organisation, set up by the Treaty of Versailles, is to secure a levelling up of the conditions of labour throughout the world, and the Government intends to support the organisation so far as lies in its power.

Sir F. HALL

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the point that I have put—as to what steps are the Government taking to attain that object?

Mr. SMITH

I have already stated them.

Sir F. HALL

May I press the hon. Gentleman further. If there is to be no standardisation of wages, is it not the case that goods will be imported into this country with the repeal of the McKenna Duties to the detriment of this country? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]