§ 41. Mr. B. SMITHasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the change in the industrial situation, it is the intention to proceed forthwith with the ratification of the Washington Hours Convention?
§ 44. Mr. TREVELYANasked the Minister of Labour whether, seeing that the Ministers of Labour of France, Belgium Germany and Italy, together with himself, reached an unanimous agreement as to the interpretation to he placed upon the Washington Hours Convention and as to its ratification, what obstacles now remain to the British Government ratifying the Convention?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs stated on 8th December, in reply to a question by the right hon. Member for the Central Division of Newcastle (Mr. Trevelyan), it is the intention of the Government to consider, as soon as they conveniently can, the results of the London Conference and their bearing upon the question of the ratification of the Washington Hours Convention. Until that consideration has been given, I am unable to make any further statement in the matter.
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir. I cannot add to what I have already said. It 2556 will be convenient so soon as the pressure of other business makes it possible to consider the matter.
§ Mr. SMITHMay I point out that on every occasion when this question has been asked for the last three years, some such answer as this has been given; and can the hon. Gentleman not say when he will be prepared to do something?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that the biggest barrier to the ratification of this convention is the miners' eight and a half hours Act?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir. So far as I am aware that does not affect it one way or the other.