HC Deb 15 May 1930 vol 238 cc2023-5
8. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Labour particulars of the countries awaiting the passing of legislation by Great Britain to give effect to the Washington Hours Convention, before introducing similar legislation or enforcing legislation already passed?

17. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Labour complete information up to date showing what countries have passed legislation giving effect to the terms of the Washington Hours Convention; and, of these countries, in what cases is the legislation in operation?

Miss BONDFIELD

The following countries have ratified the Convention and are consequently under an obligation to give effect to its terms by legislation: Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Greece, India, Luxemburg, Portugal, Rumania. Five other countries, namely, Austria, France, Italy, Latvia, and Spain have ratified the Convention, with a proviso that the ratification shall not become operative until the Convention has been ratified by certain other Powers. I cannot say whether the relevant legislation in these countries gives effect to the terms of the Convention or not.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In fact, there are five countries which are waiting for this House to ratify this Convention before they will do it?

Miss BONDFIELD

That is so.

Captain MACDONALD

Has the right hon. Lady had an assurance from those countries that have ratified the Convention that they place the same interpretation on it that we do in regard to hours of work?

Miss BONDFIELD

Until we have ratified, we are not in the position to demand such an assurance.

Captain MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that the reason for delay in ratification is that they place an entirely different interpretation on hours and wages?

Miss BONDFIELD

That is a matter of opinion.

Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

If we do ratify it, shall we be in a position to demand that they should place the same interpretation upon it?

Miss BONDFIELD

We shall certainly be in a position to ask for full reports.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

With reference to the right hon. Lady's previous reply, shall we be in a position to demand it, so that we can be secure that, when we have ratified, a similar interpretation will be placed on these most important phrases by other countries?

Miss BONDFIELD

I think that the right hon. Gentleman is fully seized of the procedure that will be adopted; he knows that we shall then have certain rights which we do not possess at the present time.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Is there any guarantee under these circumstances?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Has not this legislation been held up by the right hon. Gentleman opposite?

13. Sir V. WARRENDER

asked the Minister of Labour at what date the Washington Hours Convention must come up for revision?

Miss BONDFIELD

Under Article 21 of the Convention the Governing Body of the International Labour Office is required before the 13th June, 1931, to present to the General Conference a report on the working of the Convention, and to consider the desirability of placing on the agenda of the Conference the question of its revision or modification.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Will that hold good whether we pass legislation to ratify it or not?

Major COLFOX

When may be expect that the House will proceed with the Second Reading of the Bill to secure ratification?

Miss BONDFIELD

That question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.