§ 47. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Prime Minister if he has considered the statement on the 40-hour week made by the Minister of Labour; and whether this represents the policy of the Government.
§ The Prime MinisterI assume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the statement of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour at the conference of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions on 21st May. So far as I am aware my right hon. Friend said nothing that is inconsistent with His Majesty's Government's policy on this matter.
§ Mr. ShepherdIn view of the state of British industry, which appears to many to be getting worse and worse each day, would it not be of greater assistance to the community if the Government turned people's minds against the possibility of reducing hours of work?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid that the hon. Member is misinformed about the state of British industry.