§ 33. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the Government's plans regarding the adoption of a 40-hour week in industry, so that all concerned can look forward to the date or dates that are to be fixed.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)The question of the length of the working week is a matter to be settled by the two sides of each industry, in the light of all the circumstances of the industry and the economic position of the country.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithDo the Government accept the principle of the 40-hour week?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe Government are confident that, in any discussions between the two sides on this question, there will be a mutual realisation both of the desirability of securing the maximum amount of leisure to the workers for recreation and social activities and of the vital importance of increasing production in the interest of our export trade and in the furthering of our prosperity campaign.
§ Sir I. FraserOn a point of Order. Is it in Order for a Minister so far to anticipate a supplementary question as to have it written down?
§ Mr. Henry StraussHave not His Majesty's Government themselves any views whatsoever on the merits of this question?
§ Mr. IsaacsI have nothing to add to the answer I have already given.