§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Labour what countries have adopted the provisions of the Washington Hours Convention of 1919 as part of their laws; and, if the provisions have only been adopted by any countries to a limited extent, what are the principal limitations in each case.
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe following countries have ratified the Convention, and are consequently under an obligation to give effect to its terms by legislation: Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Czechoslovakia, 813W Greece, India, Luxembourg, Portugal, Rumania. Five other countries, namely, Austria, France, Italy, Latvia and Spain have ratified the Convention with a proviso that the ratification shall not become operative until the Convention has been ratified by certain other Powers. I cannot undertake to say whether or to what extent the relevant legislation in these or in other countries gives effect to the terms of the Convention, but perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the Blue Book on Working Hours (Cmd. 3647) presented to Parliament in July of this year in which he will find particulars of hours legislation in force or in contemplation in the chief industrial countries of Europe.