§ 37. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what studies he has made concerning the effects a statutory 35-hour week would have on job creation in this country; and what comparisons he has made with European industry.
§ Mr. Jim LesterThe studies into the general introduction of a 35-hour working week reported in theDepartment of Employment Gazette for April 1978 indicated that the effects on employment would be uncertain in the short term and possibly harmful in the longer term. There is no reason to believe that these conclusions would not hold good for other countries.