§ 48. Mr. WHITEasked the Prime Minister if proposals for the international control of working hours are being considered by the Preparatory Committee for the World Economic Conference with a view to their inclusion in the agenda of the conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have already announced, the. Preparatory Committee of Experts, which is to make a preliminary examination of the questions which will be submitted to the World Conference, only commenced their session on Monday last, and I am not yet in a position to indicate what particular subjects are likely to be included in the agenda.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHave the Government power to make suggestions to the Preparatory Committee, and, if so, would he consider the advisability of making this one of the prime questions to be dealt with by the Economic Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy impression is that we have not power to make suggestions to the Preparatory Committee. At the same time, if any very important germane question regarding the work of the conference has been omitted, the Government or its representatives will certainly see that those questions are before it.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough, in the circumstances obtaining here and in all parts of the world, to make representations so that this very vital question may form part of the agenda?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will take note of the suggestion.
§ Mr. WHITEIf the Government are not entitled to raise questions to be put on the agenda, with whom does that power he?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe agenda has been handed over to the experts committee.