HC Deb 11 April 1935 vol 300 c1311
5. Miss WARD

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the House any account of the interviews he has recently had with various groups of industrialists in the engineering, iron and steel, and other industries relating to the shortening of hours?

Mr. STANLEY

A useful and friendly preliminary discussion took place with both trades, in the course of which it was agreed that the matters in discussion should be studied further by the. trades and the Ministry of Labour, in close consultation.

Miss WARD

Are conversations proceeding with any other branches of industry?

Mr. STANLEY

Yes, I recently issued an invitation to some other industries to meet me.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Has not the policy of shortening hours been a grotesque failure in the United States of America?

Mr. STANLEY

I would make plain that I am not only dealing with the possibility of shortening hours in those industries but with the possibility of their absorbing into their trade, by any means whatsoever, many of those who are now unemployed.

Miss WARD

Can the Minister say when he will be in a position to make a statement on this matter to the House?

Mr. STANLEY

No.