1. Mr. Mr. James Hallasked the Minister of Labour how many countries have ratified the draft convention concerning the marking of the weight of heavy packages transported by vessels?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)The Convention referred to by the hon. Member had, in June of this year, been ratified by 34 countries, two of which had appended conditions to their ratifications.
Mr. HallDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think the Government of this country should ratify this convention?
§ Mr. BrownAs the hon. Member knows, we are awaiting some inquiries on technical considerations which are now being made by the International Labour Office on this matter.
2. Mr. Hallasked the Minister of Labour whether, in connection with his proposed legislation on the subject, he is now prepared to recommend the ratification of the draft convention of the International Labour Office concerning annual holidays with pay and the acceptance of the recommendation on this subject.
§ Mr. BrownNo, Sir. As I stated in reply to questions on 2nd June, the Government, in agreement with the recommendations of the Committee on Holidays with Pay, do not propose to introduce general legislation to provide for holidays with pay at the present date.
Mr. HallIn view of the popular opinion on this subject, could not the Government see their way to take action on the lines suggested?
§ Mr. BrownI believe the report of the Amulree Committee, which was unanimous, is in line with popular opinion, and that the popular opinion is that the way recommended by the committee is the better way.