§ 12. Mr. James Hallasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the general and legislative acceptance of the principle of holidays with pay, he can say when His Majesty's Government will ratify the convention concerning annual holidays with pay for seamen?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs I stated when introducing the Holidays with Pay Bill on 14th July of this year, the Government, in agreement with the recommendations of the Amulree Committee of Inquiry, propose to await the developments resulting from voluntary negotiations during the next two years before considering what legislation is necessary to make provision for holidays with pay in industry generally. Meanwhile the question of ratification of the Convention referred to must clearly be deferred.
§ Mr. HallWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of bringing this country into line with other countries that have adopted the Convention policy on this matter?
§ Mr. BrownNo, Sir. The Amulree Committee was a most important committee, representing both sides in industry as well as impartial persons, and they found that the way recommended in the Convention was not the way for this country.
§ Mr. HallAs other countries have ratified this Convention, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied to lag behind those other countries in this respect?
§ Mr. BrownI do not accept that suggestion. The House will know that as regards collective agreements and the relations in industry there is no superior to this country in the whole world.