§ 21. Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Minister of Labour whether any steps are being taken to arrange a conference between India, China and Japan, similar to the conference recently held in London between European Powers, to consider the question of hours of labour?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have been asked to reply. No steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government or the Government of India.
§ Mr. YOUNGDoes not the Noble Lord realise that it is important that a conference of this kind should be undertaken for the purpose of securing protection for British labour?
§ Earl WINTERTONI really do not know what the hon. Member has in mind about this conference. I have made careful inquiries and cannot find that any sort of proposal has been made to the Government of India to hold such a conference.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes not the Noble Lord think it would be wise to call a conference in view of the Eight Hours Bill?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat is a very wide question which it is almost impossible to discuss by way of question and answer. In any case I can take no responsibility for the action of Japan or China.
§ Mr. YOUNGDoes not the Noble Lord realise the necessity of getting the decision of the International Labour Office in relation to the eight hours ratification considered in India?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat is an entirely different question. The hon. Member asked me whether the Government of India intend to take part in a conference between India, China and Japan. The question of the eight hours ratification is an entirely different matter. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour indicated in an answer just given that the International Labour Office has been dealing with this question for a long time past.