HC Deb 01 June 1949 vol 465 cc2096-7
16. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussions with the United States Government as to the application of the ruling by the United States Supreme Court that the American Fair Labour Standards Act is applicable to all persons employed in any military base that has been leased to the United States of America.

Mr. Mayhew

The discussions with the United States Government to which the hon. Member refers are still in progress, and I am therefore not in a position to make a further statement for the present.

Mr. Platts-Mills

As the discussions have been going on since 9th March, according to the last answer we had on this matter, could we have some assurance that they will be speeded up; and when they are completed, could the hon. Gentleman see that a list is published of all the British possessions or Colonies to which this American decision applies—all those which have got bases, whether secret or otherwise—and made available in the Library?

Mr. Mayhew

I think that when the conversations are ended we shall see whether such a list will be necessary.