§ 35. Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the resolution forwarded to him by the Trades Union Congress, supporting in the cinema industry a basis of a 60-hours working week, exclusive of meal times, the Government will consider whether it is advisable to continue the international discussions for a 40-hours working week?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)I have not received a resolution from the Trades Union Congress, and I am not aware that such a resolution has been passed. I understand, however, that the London and Home Counties Joint Conciliation Board for the Cinema Industry, upon which certain trade unions are represented, have agreed to recommend that the working 18 week in London and the Home Counties shall not exceed 60 hours for the general staff, 54 for the female staff and 55 for the operators, with extra payment for overtime. Discussions on the subject of the 40-hour week must, of course, take into account the circumstances of the various industries and the agreements reached by the organisations which are representative of those concerned.
§ Mr. REMERDoes not the right hon. Gentleman receive at regular intervals the proceedings of the Trades Union Congress?
Viscountess ASTORCan the right hon. Gentleman do anything about the agreement on a 60-hour week, particularly as it includes juveniles?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONWith regard to the first question, I am not sure I can answer it. I receive from time to time information of some of the resolutions that the Trades Union Congress pass, but I am not at all sure that I receive them all.
§ Mr. LAWSONCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what are the average hours in this industry now? Have there not been investigations?
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Trades Union Congress has never passed such a foolish resolution?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have answered that question already. I said that I had not received such a resolution, and I am not aware that such a resolution was passed.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIn view of the promises made by the owners of cinema houses in this country when the Sunday Entertainments Act was passing through this House, will the right hon. Gentleman see that their promises are implemented?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThat question should be addressed, not to me, but to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. REMERWill the right hon. Gentleman look through the proceedings of the Trades Union Congress and confirm the statement in my question that they have passed such a resolution?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo. I will not give any such undertaking.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the Minister not aware that in the House of Representatives in America last week they passed a Bill for 30 hours a week?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo. I am not aware of that fact.