HC Deb 20 March 1930 vol 236 cc2072-3
3. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Minister of Labour what maritime Powers, whose representatives, in June, 1920, at Genoa, signed the convention that, in every case of loss or foundering of any vessel, masters, officers and seamen employed thereon shall be indemnified against unemployment resulting from such loss or foundering, has not as yet ratified this convention?

Miss BONDFIELD

The draft International Labour Conventions are not signed. They are adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the International Labour Conference, and referred to the Governments of the States members of the organisation. The draft convention in question was voted for by the Government representatives of 26 countries. I am circulating in the OFFCIAL REPORT a list of these countries, showing those which have and have not up to the present ratified the convention.

Sir B. PETO

Can the right hon. Lady say whether a large number of those 26 countries have not, as a matter of fact, ratified?

Miss BONDFIELD

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

Following is the list:

Countries which have ratified.
Belgium. Italy.
Canada. Poland.
France. Croats and Slovenes.
Great Britain. Spain.
Greece.
Countries which have not ratified.
Argentine. Norway.
Australia. Portugal.
Chile. Rumania.
Czechoslovakia. Siam.
Denmark. Sweden.
Germany. Switzerland.
India. Uruguay.
Japan. Venezuela.
Netherlands.