§ 19. Mr. HERRIOTTSasked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken by her Department to ratify the Washington Eight Hours Convention; and whether early legislation is in contemplation for this purpose?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. and learned Member for Fareham (Sir T. Inskip) on 30th March, of which I am sending him a copy. The convention cannot be ratified until the necessary legislation has been passed.
§ Mr. HERRIOTTSCan the right hon. Lady answer the first part of my question; and, further, can she make a statement as to whether the Government intend, without unnecessary delay, to proceed with the Second Reading of the Hours of Industrial Employment Bill in order to give effect to the Washington Convention?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI can add nothing to the statement made by the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. HERRIOTTSWhat about the first part of my question?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThat is the reply to the first part of the question.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it not a fact that, unless legislation is passed, the Government will make themselves responsible for any lengthening of hours which occurs in this country?