HC Deb 08 December 1926 vol 200 cc2091-2
28. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he has any information to show what arc the hours of the normal week recognised for the shipbuilding trade in Belgium, France, and Germany;

(2) if he has any figures showing what are the hours of the normal week recognised for the engineering trade in Belgium, France, and Germany?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I am circulating a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. PALING

Are the hours longer than in Great Britain?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

On the whole, yes.

Mr. PALING

In that event are the Government going to pass a Bill to make them longer than they are on the Continent? Are any steps being taken by the Government to secure the adoption of that portion of the Washington Convention dealing with hours of labour?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

That would involve an answer which would go far beyond the ordinary limits of an answer to a question on the Paper. It will be open to the hon. Member to raise it in debate.

Following is the Statement promised: