HC Deb 23 February 1932 vol 262 cc188-90
7. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary for Mines the present position with reference to the international convention for miners' hours?

14. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to state the policy of the Government on the question of ratifying the convention on hours of work in coal mines?

Mr. ISAAC FOOT

His Majesty's Government is favourably disposed towards the convention. The detailed application of some of its provisions to the coal mines of this country presents certain problems which are under consideration. As soon as these points have been disposed of, the Government will be prepared to ratify the convention provided that the other six countries will do so at the same time.

Mr. MANDER

Does that mean that the Government are not proposing to take any action until the other European coal-producing countries are prepared to do the same?

Mr. FOOT

Yes.

Mr. LAWSON

When are they likely to reach a conclusion on these particular points? Are they material points?

Mr. FOOT

The hon. Member will be aware that when the matter was brought up at Geneva recently the first question that was raised was that of simultaneous ratification. It is the opinion of His Majesty's Government that that question should be dealt with before the subsidiary difficulties are brought under consideration.

Mr. LAWSON

I understand that there were certain points in the convention itself of a technical nature on which there was some doubt. Are they material points, and are they receiving consideration?

Mr. FOOT

They are subsidiary to the main question of simultaneous ratification. They are still under consideration and will be under consideration until the matter has been dealt with.

Mr. LAWSON

When will the meeting take place?

Mr. FOOT

It is provisionally fixed for April.

Mr. LAWSON

Will the hon. Member go to Geneva himself or will he send some other representative of his Department?

Mr. Foot

The meeting is provisionally fixed to take place in April, but it depends upon some circumstances which are still outstanding. If it is held then, certainly it will be my desire to be present, as I was at the last meeting.