§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that Great Britain and Poland are the only Allied countries who have not ratified the International Maritime Convention relating to hours of duty at sea; and will he take steps to effect ratification as practical evidence of the nation's gratitude to British seafarers?
§ Mr. BevinThe countries which have ratified the International Labour Convention on hours of work on board ship and manning are the United States of America, Australia and Belgium, and it has been ratified subject to certain conditions by Sweden. While it would not be practicable to give effect to the requirements of this Convention during war-time on British ships I regard it as a matter which should receive renewed consideration as soon as circumstances permit.