§ 4. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour what progress is being made towards the ratification of the Mines Hours Convention Bill; and whether he will place at the disposal of Members a full report of the discussions on this matter, including the material proceedings at the International Labour Office Conference?
Mr. HUDSONI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Secretary for Mines to a question on 28th February last. The International Labour Office is now collecting information regarding the points raised at the meeting of representatives of certain Governments referred to in that answer and has asked Governments to supply this information by 15th September next. The International Labour Conference last month adopted a resolution on this subject. This resolution will be considered by the governing body at their next meeting in October. The resolution and a report of the short discussion which preceded its adoption will be found in Numbers 10 and 33 of the provisional record of the conference, copies of which are in the Library.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHave the Government made up their own minds on this matter?
Mr. HUDSONThat is a question which ought to be addressed to my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Prime Minister promised the Miners' Federation 15 months since that the Government would do everything possible to secure the ratification of this 40-hour week?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not the case that the coalowners are making strong representations against the operation of this convention; and is it not that fact which is chiefly influencing the Government?
§ Mr. LAWSONI think, Sir, we are entitled to an answer.