HC Deb 27 June 1935 vol 303 cc1248-9
12. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Labour what instructions were given to the Government representatives to the International Labour Office Conference at Geneva regarding hours of labour?

Mr. E. BROWN

It is not possible within the limits of an answer to a question to deal with the instructions given to the Government delegates, particularly in view of the complicated situation which arose as the result of developments at the conference.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these instructions are instructions to support a 40-hours convention, or to support a convention for a number of specified trades?

Mr. BROWN

There are instructions on points of general principle. The delegates have to judge on matters of detail as they arise from day to day. As I have said, the matters involved in this conference are so complicated that I could not possibly give a fair answer on all these points within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government representatives have felt disposed to oppose any suggestion of a reduction of hours?

Mr. BROWN

Yes, on a proper occasion for debate.

Mr. T. SMITH

Will the report of the proceedings be made available as early as possible?

Mr. BROWN

I will consider that.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider embodying these instructions in a White Paper, so that the country and the House may know exactly what the policy of the Government is on this question?

Mr. BROWN

There will be an opportunity later on to debate the whole subject.

Sir W. BRASS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many times the Labour Government were asked to ratify the Washington Hours Convention and refused to do so?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Labour Government did print a Bill?

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