§ 63. Major GLYNasked the Minister of Labour if he has any information showing what are the trades and industries exempted from the provisions of the Washington Convention Eight Hours Act passed by the Belgian Parliament?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAccording to my information, the Belgian Eight Hour Day Act of 14th June, 1921, applies to commercial establishments and to industry generally, with the exception of agriculture, transport by sea and inland waterway and so-called family undertakings. Persons excepted from the application of the Act are persons occupying a position of management or trust, commercial travellers and homeworkers.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKHas the right hon. Gentleman any reason to suppose that the terms of the Washington Agreement are not properly carried out by the Belgian Government and the Belgian industry?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf my Noble Friend will put that question down I shall be glad to consider it. I have no instance in mind at the present moment, but it does not arise immediately out of this question. The point is one on which I could not give an. opinion off-hand.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKThe right hon. Gentleman has no reason to suppose that those terms are not carried out.
§ Mr. WADDINGTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain Belgian cotton mills the workers are working 16 2065 hours a day in two shifts of eight hours and is that allowed under the Washington Convention?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a question which should be put down.