§ 15. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has yet been reached with reference to the ratification of the Washington Eight Hours Convention?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONIn the statement which I made in April of this year at Geneva, and which my hon. Friend will find in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 28th April, I explained the position fully and gave the reasons why it has not been possible to ratify this convention. Nothing has happened since to alter this position.
§ Mr. HANNONWould it not be better that this matter should stand over until the conditions of employment in this country improve?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI cannot add to my answer. I have dealt with the matter very fully.
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand that the Government have definitely decided not to ratify during this Parliament?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo; the hon. Gentleman really must not put into my answer a meaning which I did not intend.
§ Mr. MANDEROwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment of the House.