HC Deb 17 June 1935 vol 303 cc16-7
33. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any further information to give the House regarding his discussions with employers of labour on the question of a reduction of working hours?

Mr. E. BROWN

I would refer the hon. Member to the written reply, given on the 7th June by my predecessor, to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel). I would add that I propose to continue with a number of other industries the conversations initiated by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. SMITH

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to have some definite reports on this matter? Can he also say how many meetings with the employers have been arranged?

Mr. BROWN

If my hon. Friend will put down a question for Thursday, I will give him an answer on the details. I could not answer the first part of the question at the moment.

Dr. ADDISON

Was the statement, attributed to Mr. Leggatt at Geneva opposing the 40-hour week, made on the instructions of the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. BROWN

The right hon. Gentleman knows that he should put a question of that kind upon the Paper.