§ 1. Mr. James Hallasked the Minister of Labour what countries are now giving effect to the Public Works (International Co-operation) Recommendation adopted by the International Labour Conference in 1937?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)At the April Session of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office, the director made the following statement on the position:
So far the following Governments have informed the Office that they will give effect to this Recommendation by furnishing the necessary information and by taking part in the meetings of the International Public Works Committee: Colombia, Estonia, Great Britain, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Union of South Africa.I understand that since that date favourable replies have also been received from Belgium, Bulgaria, Poland and the United States of America.
§ Mr. HallCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the British Government will be prepared to ratify the convention?
§ Mr. BrownI have already said that we have informed the Office that we will give effect to the Recommendation by furnishing the necessary information. No question of ratification arises at this stage.