§ Mr. B. SMITHasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Senate in France has been recommended by the Commercial Committee to ratify the Washington Hours Convention, and that in Germany a ratifying Bill is to be introduced into the Reichstag this month; and what steps he proposes to take in order to give effect to the ratification of the flours Convention, which was originated by representatives of the British Government and was further endorsed by the recent London Conference?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI understand that the Commercial Committee of the Senate in France has reported in favour of a Bill which provides for the conditional ratification of the Washington Hours Convention. I am also informed that the German Government contemplates the introduction of legislation designed to carry out the provisions of the Convention, but I do not know when it is to be introduced. With regard to the last part of the Question, my right hon. Friend explained, in reply to a previous question on this subject on the 30th June, that the examination of the results of the London Conference had necessarily to be postponed owing to the pre-occupation of the Government with the industrial situation. I regret to say that the course of events since that date has not so far made it possible to carry the matter any further.