§ 67. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to deal with the international aspects of sweating and its bearing on British craftsmanship; and if he will take steps to introduce a Bill to enforce a boycott against goods the production of which has been proved to have been carried on under conditions not in conformity with the Hours Convention, whether the British Government has or has not ratified the convention?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs I have previously informed the House, my right hon. Friend is at the present time in communication with certain foreign Governments on the possibility of taking joint action to secure the regulation of hours of work in industry by international agreement. As the President of the Board of Trade has explained to the House in recent Debates, there would appear to be serious Treaty difficulties in the course suggested in the latter part of the question.
§ Sir W. SUGDENIs it not a fact that the Labour section of the League of Nations has been investigating the whole problem? What exactly has the Department of the hon. Gentleman done to assist?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThat is a question which had better be addressed to the Foreign Office. I know nothing as to what the general opinion of the. League of Nations may be in this matter.
Captain BENNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the summer the Minister of Labour held out hope of a speedy conclusion to these negotiations? How much longer have we to wait?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put his question on that point to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. But the delay is not the fault of my right hon. Friend. I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman of that.