§ 61. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Labour whether the introduction of an eight-hours day will prevent the working of overtime; and if, before introducing the Measure, he proposes to make any inquiries into its effect on the trades affected?
§ Mr. SHAWThe Washington Hours' Convention, upon which it is proposed to base the Hours of Employment Bill, contains provisions for overtime in certain circumstances. With regard to the latter part of the question, when the text of the Bill is issued I have no doubt that representatives of the trades affected will desire to express their views upon its terms, and I shall, of course, be ready and anxious to meet them and to consider what they have to say.
Sir F. HALLWould it not be advisable to communicate with these trades before bringing the Bill into the House?
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the effect of the eight-hours' day on the steel trade in America?