HC Deb 17 November 1931 vol 259 cc659-60
38. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps have been taken by the Government to ensure that the convention with regard to the hours of work of mine workers shall be raised and supported at the next meeting of the International Labour Office?

Mr. ISAAC FOOT

The matter is not one which calls for further formal action by an International Labour Conference, the Convention having been agreed by the last conference and its ratification being now a matter for the nations concerned. I expect to have an opportunity in the near future to discuss informally with the Governments of the principal countries interested the question of ratification.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Act, under which the miners are working at present, will end in July next year, and, in view of that fact, will he give this matter serious consideration its the two questions of the International Convention and of hours are closely interwoven?

Mr. FOOT

The facts brought to my notice by the hon. Gentleman are constantly before us, and we are well aware of the association of the two questions.