§ 5. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Labour which countries have ratified the convention adopted by the International Labour Conference, 1935, laying down the principle of a 40-hour week?
§ Mr. E. BrownAccording to the latest information available, the Forty-hour Week Convention, 1935, has not been ratified by any country.
§ 12. Mr. Leslieasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the return of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry from the Washington Conference, he will state the attitude taken by His Majesty's Government to the proposal of a 40-hour week for the textile industry at the said conference?
§ Mr. BrownThe purpose of the conference at Washington was not to define the attitude of Governments towards the proposal for a 40-hour week for the textile industry, but to examine those aspects of the industry which might bear upon the improvement of social conditions of the workers employed therein. As soon as the report of the Washington Conference is received I will make it available to hon. Members. In the meantime I take this opportunity of saying that there is no foundation whatever for the report which appeared in certain newspapers to the effect that my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary made a statement as to the policy of the Government with regard to a 40-hour week for the textile industry.
§ Mr. LeslieWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I say that I am glad he has cleared this matter up?
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman make available not only the report of the Washington Conference, but also the text of the speech of the Parliamentary Secretary?
§ Mr. BrownI will do that, because there was no foundation whatever for the statement made. The House knows that Transatlantic journalism is a very peculiar product.
§ Mr. ShortDo we understand that the Government are in favour of a 40-hour week in the textile industry?