§ 5. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the proposal to introduce a seven-day week in Germany, in the light of the practice of trade unionism; and, in view of the interference with Sunday observance, which would be caused.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)Working arrangements of this nature are a matter for determination by employers and trade unions, subject to any restrictions imposed by German law. No proposal has been made to introduce a seven-day week generally in German industry. The possibility has been examined of introducing seven-day operation in selected plants in the iron and steel industry with the object of obtaining increased and more balanced production but it has been decided that the time is not opportune for such a measure.