§ 40. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Labour if the International Labour Office will be officially represented at the suggested conference of Ministers of the several countries to discuss the ratification of the Washington Convention on hours of labour?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIn any conference of the kind that may be arranged, it will certainly be desirable that the advice and assistance of a representative of the International Labour Organisation should be available.
§ 58. Mr. PALINGasked the Minister of Labour how many countries have ratified the International Eight-Hour Day Labour Convention; how many have ratified on the condition that other countries did the same; and whether any steps are being taken to start negotiations with a view to arriving at a common interpretation of the Convention?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe Washington Hours Convention has been ratified by Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Greece, India, Italy and Rumania. The ratifications of Austria and Italy are conditional upon ratification by other States. In reply to the last part of the question 1521 I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 16th June to a question asked by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies).
§ Mr. PALINGDoes that mean that the Government are prepared to take steps in order to try to arrive at a favourable conclusion on this subject?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend on 16th June, beyond which I cannot go.
Mr. BECKETTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the answer given by his right hon. Friend on 16th June stated that this matter was receiving consideration; and what is the result of that consideration?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIt is still receiving consideration.