HC Deb 30 July 1936 vol 315 cc1702-3
6. Mr. LYONS

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to publish a report on his conversations with representatives of industry with reference to a shorter working week?

Mr. E. BROWN

I hope to be able to issue a White Paper on the subject of these conversations when the House resumes after the Recess.

Mr. LYONS

Will it contain a précis of the whole of the conversations?

Mr. BROWN

I shall do my best to inform the House of the many conversations that have taken place.

9. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he has taken to deal with the cases of long hours of work recorded in the Annual Report of the Ministry of Labour; and whether the Government will now ratify the Washington 48-hours Convention?

Mr. BROWN

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories which was published on 24th July last and is now receiving consideration. As regards the second part of the question His Majesty's Government do not regard the ratification of the Washington 48-hours Convention as a satisfactory means of solving the problem of excessive hours of work.

Mr. MANDER

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps the Government propose to take to deal with the scandal of long hours?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member is in great haste. The report was only published on Friday.

Mr. MANDER

Cannot the Government make up their mind rapidly on this matter?

Mr. SHINWELL

What does the right hon. Gentleman regard as a suitable remedy for excessive hours?

Mr. BROWN

I cannot debate that matter now. We had a Debate on it yesterday.