§ 21. Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the names of the States which have ratified the convention of the International Labour Conference at Washington in 1919 dealing with the 48-hour week; and whether he can give figures for the average hours worked per week in the iron and steel industries in France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom, respectively?
§ Sir A. STEEL- MAITLANDThe Washington Hours Convention has been ratified by Austria, Bulgaria, Czechslovakia, Greece, India, Italy and Rumania. The ratifications of Austria and Italy are conditional upon ratification by other States, while in its application to India the convention itself provides for a normal working week of 60 hours. I regret that I have no information as to the average hours actually being worked at the present time in the iron and steel industries in the countries named by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman know of any country which has ratified the Convention and has put the scheme into operation?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND:I think I had better ask for notice of that question. I believe the scheme is working, at any rate, to a certain extent in Czechsloyakia.
§ Mr. JOHNSTON:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the refusal of our Government to ratify this Convention that prevents other Governments in Europe from ratifying?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am not aware of that—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for debate on Friday next.