HC Deb 21 June 1932 vol 267 c897
10. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the ratification of the Washington Hours Convention will be one of the subjects considered at the Ottawa Conference?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

So far as I am aware, this subject will not come under consideration.

Mr. DAVIES

In view of the fact that conditions of employment affect prices of commodities within the Empire, is it not possible to put this subject on the Agenda for the Ottawa Conference?

Mr. THOMAS

To be quite frank, I am amazed that the hon. Member should attach this importance even to the Ottawa Conference where four Dominions are concerned. I should have assumed that the ratification of the Washington Hours Convention was much more a question for the world than for the Dominions.

Mr. DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentleman suggesting, therefore, that we must wait for the world to move before the Empire moves?

Mr. THOMAS

No, I am suggesting that if the world would follow our example the world would be much better.

Captain PETER MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that the Dominions already conform to the Washington Hours Convention, and that the rest of the world is holding up its ratification?