§ 56. Mr. KELLYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the International Convention on prohibition of nightwork in bakeries is still awaiting ratification; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe question of ratifying this Convention was fully considered by the Government, and their decision not to ratify was communicated to this House in April, 1926. Briefly, the reasons were that the provisions of the Convention went much beyond the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the subject and were too drastic. In particular, objection was 2072 taken to the prohibition being applied, not only to the operative baker, but also to the master baker himself. Moreover, it appeared from a Report by the Royal Commission on Food Prices that the effect of prohibition, if the supply of bread was to be continued as at present, would be to increase the cost of the loaf. These objections still hold good, and I see no grounds for reconsidering the previous decision.
§ Mr. KELLYIn view of the request from those engaged in the trade, will the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to this matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am very glad at any time to receive any suggestions.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINAt what hour in the morning does the night end?