HC Deb 06 April 1925 vol 182 cc1815-6
49. Mr. B. SMITH

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has decided to ratify the Eight-Hours Convention adopted by the International Labour Conference?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I am unable yet to add to the reply given on 10th February to the hon. Member for Elland (Mr. W. C. Robinson).

Sir GRATTAN DOYLE

How many countries have given statutory effect to this Convention?

Mr. BETTERTON

If I received notice of that question, I could give my hon. Friend particulars.

Mr. SMITH

Is it not a fact that most of the European countries have already agreed to ratify the Convention, subject to the condition that Great Britain also ratifies it?

Captain BRASS

Is it not a fact that ratification of this agreement would hinder the working-class people and increase unemployment?

Mr. BETTERTON

The answer to the last supplementary question is that that is a matter for argument, which I could rot deal with in answer to a question.

Sir G. DOYLE

Is it not a fact that several Continental countries have agreed to this, and that not one of them has carried it out?