HC Deb 05 March 1925 vol 181 cc626-7
32. Captain BENN

asked the Home Secretary how many International Labour Conventions agreed to by the British representative at Geneva are awaiting ratification; and how many have been submitted under the terms of the Treaty to the competent authority?

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

I have been asked to reply. Of the draft conventions which have been adopted by the International Labour Conference, nine have not yet been ratified by this country. Of these, the British Government Delegates at Washington, Genoa and Geneva, respectively, voted in favour of six, the vote being qualified in one case by a reservation I am advised that the obligation under the Treaty, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, is fulfilled, if a draft convention is considered by the Crown, acting on the advice of the Executive Government, for the purpose of deciding whether or not it will ratify. This action has been taken in respect of all the draft conventions. Where a convention, which it has been decided to ratify, involves an alteration in British law not already provided for by Statute, Parliament has been, and will be, asked to pass the necessary legislation before ratification takes place. Moreover, I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that it has been the practice to bring these matters specially before this House in the form of Resolutions asking for approval of the action of the Government.

Captain BENN

Are we fulfilling the terms of the Treaty, which says that the convention should be laid before the competent authority for enactment or otherwise, merely by having it considered by the Cabinet, or is not this House the authority to which it should be submitted?

Mr. BETTERTON

That point was put to successive Law Officers, including the present Lord Chief Justice, and I understand that in all cases the Law Officers decided that the Government were the competent authority.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is it the intention of the Government to ratify the Eight-hour? Agreement?

Mr. BETTERTON

That is a question which should be addressed to the Prime Minister.