§ 3. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour in view of the fact that the index of industrial production for the first quarter of 1937 shows an increase of 18 per cent. over the level of,1930, whereas the increase in the employment level in the same period is only 12 per cent., whether he will take steps to secure a general reduction in working hours so as to deal effectively with the problem 1928 of the displacement of labour revealed by these figures?
§ Mr. ButlerIn the opinion of my right hon. Friend the adjustment of working hours can be most advantageously effected through the joint machinery of employers and trade unions in the various industries. The complexity of the problem is illustrated by the fact that the increase in average output per head to which the hon. Member refers, and which no doubt led to displacement of labour in some directions, was accompanied by an addition of over 1,500,000 to the number of the insured persons in employment.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the fact that it is now admitted by the hon. Gentle man's Department that there is a serious problem of displacement of labour, is the continued opposition of the Ministry of Labour and the Government to any international reduction of hours compatible with the solving of this great problem?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Minister naturally wishes to consider this problem from every aspect, including the international aspect.
§ Mr. T. SmithIs the hon. Gentleman of the opinion that the mechanisation of coal mines has increased the volume of labour?
§ 19. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Labour how many conferences at Geneva and elsewhere have been held in the past six years at which representatives of the Government have attended when the question of hours of labour has been discussed; and whether such representatives have ever supported a reduction proposal?
§ Mr. ButlerThe British Government have been represented at all the important conferences on the question of hours of labour at Geneva and elsewhere during the past six years, and have consistently endeavoured by constructive efforts to secure practical improvements in the position of workpeople. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes, Sir."
§ Mr. LeachIs it true that the Minister of Labour is staying behind at Geneva because his record is so bad that he dare not face the House?
§ 20. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Labour the reasons why the British Gov- 1929 ernment delegate voted, on 5th June, at the International Labour Office at Geneva, against sending the report on hours of work in the printing and chemical trades to the competent committee with instructions to prepare a report with a view to the adoption of a draft convention during the present session?
§ Mr. ButlerUnder the standing orders of the International Labour Conference the proceedings with regard to these draft conventions would be limited to the preparation of a questionnaire in order to elicit full information on which further action could be based. The issue on which the vote was taken was whether these standing orders should be suspended in order that the conference might proceed to the preparation of draft conventions at the present session. The vote of the British Government delegate on this occasion was one on procedure and was in full accordance with the general policy previously stated to the House.
§ Mr. ManderIs it the case that in spite of the obstruction of the British Government the resolutions were carried?
§ Mr. ButlerThe resolutions were certainly carried, but the hon. Member does not realise that the committee were voting only on a question of procedure.