HC Deb 01 July 1925 vol 185 cc2519-20
51. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Minister of Labour whether the policy of the British Government delegates at the recent International Labour Conference in regard to the proposed draft convention as to night-work in bakeries was that of the British Government delegates at the 1924 Conference, as stated in the White Paper containing the Report of the late Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, or that advocated by the resolution in support of that convention recently issued over the signatures of the late Prime Minister and the late Home Secretary on behalf of the Parliamentary Labour party and the National Executive of the Labour party?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The British Government delegates to the recent International Labour Conference acted in accordance with the policy of the present Government, which I stated on the 13th May, in reply to a question asked by the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck). I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of this reply.

Mr. PALING

Is it not the fact that the opinions expressed by the workers' representatives were in contradiction to those of the Government?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I never like to make a statement without making sure of the facts, but if the hon. Member will put down a question I will find out.

52. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Minister of Labour whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any step to refer to the Permanent Court of International Justice the question whether the draft convention in regard to night work in bakeries proposed by the recent International Labour Conference, which relates to an industry which is not the subject of international industrial competition and which prohibits nightwork by master bakers as well as by persons employed, is consistent with the purpose of Part XIII of the Versailles Treaty of Peace, and also the question of the competence of the Conference to pass such a draft convention?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

This Convention, as finally presented to the recent International Labour Conference, was not acceptable to His Majesty's Government, and their representatives voted against it. It is not the intention of the Government to take any further steps with regard to the Convention in the direction indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. TREVELYAN

Was the British Government the only Government that voted against the Convention?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I cannot answer that question off-hand.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Were the British Government carrying out Clause 13, which is inconsistent with protecting only employés?