§ 3. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Labour how many nations have now ratified the hours-of-work convention put forward by the International Labour Office?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe Washington Convention on hours of work in industrial undertakings has been ratified by 11 countries; four other countries have undertaken to ratify when others do so. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of these countries.
§ Following is the list:
| Washington Hours Convention Ratified by: | |
| Belgium. | Lithuania. |
| Bulgaria. | Luxemburg. |
| Chile. | Portugal. |
| Czeckoslovakia. | Rumania. |
| Greece. | Spain. |
| *India. |
| Ratification with Conditional or Delayed Application: | |
| Austria. | Italy. |
| France. | Latvia. |
| * Sixty hours not 48, applicable only to certain categories of workers. |
§ 7. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Labour if he will consider addressing a request to the employers' organisation of each industry and to the joint industrial councils and similar bodies where they exist, asking them to conduct a scientific investigation into the cost and practicability of instituting a 40-hour week?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) on 16th February and to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on 20th February, from which he will see that I propose to discuss with the Trades Union Congress Council and the National Confederation of Employers' Organisations the most appropriate methods by which this and kindred subjects may be examined in a practical manner.
§ Mr. MANDERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some important industries do not belong to the Confederation, and will he consider in those cases at any rate, making a direct approach to them?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI will consider that.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member who put that question is operating a 40-hour week with every success?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThat is another question. Every kind of operation of the 40 hours must be examined. I am well aware of what is in operation in the works to which the hon. Member refers.