HC Deb 30 May 1932 vol 266 cc828-9
52 and 53. Mr. LAWSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what action is being taken by His Majesty's Government, through the International Labour Office, in order that legislative effect may be given to the Coal Mines Convention by all the coal-producing nations which have ratified it;

(2) whether the Government have yet informed the International Labour Office that they are prepared to give legislative effect to the Coal Mines Convention when the other coal-producing countries which signed it do so; and, if such communication has been made, what answer has been received?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)

On the 23rd February I replied to a question by the hon. Member in the following terms: 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."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 23rd February, 1932; col. 189, Vol. 262.] I propose, during the course of the Debate on the Second Reading of the Coal Mines Bill, which commences this after- noon, to make a full statement on the present position in regard to the Convention, and I will ask the hon. Member to be good enough to await that statement.

Mr. LAWSON

May I ask whether this was the reason given for asking for the postponement of an international gathering to deal with this matter?

Mr. FOOT

The reasons for asking for postponement could hardly be given in answer to a question across the Floor of the House, but I hope to be able to make it clear, when I join in the Debate, that the reasons were not for the purpose of postponing the ratification, but for the purpose of securing adequate and safe progress in relation to a Convention which the Government desire to see ratified.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Would the meeting have been held but for letters submitted by the hon. Gentleman; and are we to understand that this is the only country among all the countries involved which suggested such a postponement?

Mr. FOOT

I think that the hon. Member, whom I know to be interested in this Contention, will be fully satisfied when I have had the opportunity of making my statement.