HC Deb 14 June 1928 vol 218 cc1172-4
61. Mr. RILEY

asked the Minister of Labour the names of the countries which have already unconditionally ratified the Washington Hours Convention; and the names of the countries which have decided to ratify conditionally on ratifica- ton by Great Britain and certain other countries?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

According to my information, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Greece, India, Luxemburg and Rumania have ratified the Washington Hours Convention unconditionally, and Austria, France, Italy and Latvia conditionally on ratification by Great Britain and other countries.

Mr. W. THORNE

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the statement of the British Government representative at the Conference of the International Labour Organisation, the Government propose to take early action to modify the Washington Hours Convention in accordance with the con-elusion reached at the London Conference?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

The policy of the Government was stated by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, in the Debate on 13th February, and by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, and myself on 27th February, and I have nothing to add to these statements.

Mr. THORNE

Is it not a fact that the reason and the cause of the delay in signing the Convention, is that the Government want some modification? If that is so, how long is it to be before the Government give to the world the modification that they require?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I understand that in all probability the International Labour Office will be issuing a report for their October meeting, and that for the purpose of the report they will be asking for the views of the various Governments. We shall, of course, give them our views, and I can assure the hon. Member that as our purpose is really to get a workable Convention, the more quickly the proceedings take place, the better I for one shall be pleased.

Mr. THORNE

Is it not a fact that the reason for the delay in the signing of the Convention, is the deep-rooted opposition of the employers of labour in this country?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

There is no truth whatever in that statement. The facts of the case are, as I have stated, that we wish to get a workable Convention which will really achieve the objects desired, and the sooner we can get this the better I shall be pleased.

Me. THORNE

How is it, then, that many other countries have signed the Convention without any modification at all?