HC Deb 21 May 1936 vol 312 cc1348-9
10. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make it clear when he attends the 1936 session of the International Labour Conference that the British Government favour the reduction of hours of work together with the maintenance of wages, and will collaborate actively in bringing about the conclusion of draft convention:, to apply the principle of the 40-hour week to individual industries?

Mr. E. BROWN

I think that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the proposals to be discussed at the coming International Labour Conference. The subject on the agenda is the application to certain industries of the principle of the general Forty-Hour Week Draft Convention adopted at the last Conference. As was pointed out in the statement sent by His Majesty's Government to the International Labour Office, this general Convention does not provide any safeguard against the reduction of earnings consequent upon the reduction of hours. Draft Conventions, therefore, applying the general Convention to individual industries would not provide for the reduction of hours of work together with the maintenance of wages.

Mr. THORNE

Would it not be within the province of the delegates to insert a Clause in the Convention to protect wages?

Mr. BROWN

No, that was refused last year, when the Convention was adopted. This phrase was voted on and accepted: The principle of the 40-hour week shall be applied in such a manner that the standard of living is not reduced. That is by no means the same thing.

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether they will be able to maintain output even if they reduce the hours?

Mr. BROWN

All these things, of course, are considered.