HC Deb 25 November 1959 vol 614 cc339-41
3. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the conclusion on page 37 of the International Labour Conference Report VII (1), prepared for the 44th session in 1960, is in conformity with the policy of Her Majesty's Government; and if he will have legislation prepared so that at the conference he will be in a position to indicate that Her Majesty's Government will at once implement a convention to guarantee a 40-hour working week.

Mr. Heath

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the last paragraph on page 37 of the Report. The Government have followed the procedure there outlined. The Answer to the second part of the question is "No, Sir."

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does not the Minister think it would be in the best interest of Britain if international standards could be agreed to at such a conference? Would not this tend to eliminate unfair foreign competition? If the Minister agrees with that reasoning, should not concrete action be taken on these lines at this conference?

Mr. Heath

The hon. Gentleman has a Question later on the Notice Paper about the general replies we have given to this questionnaire in which we have explained our position.

4. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the reply made to the questionnaire sent out in accordance with Article 39 of the Standing Orders of the International Labour Conference, which deals with the reduction of hours of work.

Mr. Heath

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Government's reply and I will also arrange for one to be put in the Library.

6. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he has studied the International Labour Organisation Report VII (1), prepared for the 44th session in 1960, with particular reference to Table I, Table III, Table IV, and Table V; what examination has been made of the International Labour Organisation Report VII; and what action it is intended to take to reduce the working week of industrial workers and miners in this country and increase their annual holiday period with improved payments.

Mr. Heath

I have studied this Report with interest, and it has been carefully examined in my Department in consultation with other Departments concerned. As the reduction of hours of work is for the two sides of a particular industry to discuss and decide, the Government do not contemplate action of the kind suggested.

Mr. Ellis Smith

In view of the growing interest in the need for a reduction in hours of work throughout the world, and particularly in our own country, has not the time arrived when the Minister and also the Ministry should take greater interest in this matter in order to give a lead to industry?

Mr. Heath

Naturally we have a great deal of interest in this matter, but I should have thought it was becoming quite evident at the moment that the two sides of industry are discussing this matter very seriously, and are, of course, in some prominent cases, reaching agreement on it.