LABOUR PROBLEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23594, 1 March 1940, Page 8

LABOUR PROBLEMS

GENEVA CONFERENCE NEW ZEALAND DELEGATION GOVERNMENT'S DECISION [by TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] WELLINGTON, Thursday The intention of the Government to send a full New Zealand delegation to this year's conference of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva was announced to-night by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb. The delegation will consist of representatives of the Government, workers and employers. Central organisations of workers and employers will shortly be asked to make nominations for delegates to represent them.

"The 26th session of the conference of the International Labour Organisation has been convened for June 5," said Mr. Webb. "This is pursuant to a "desire expressed by the Governments, which were last year asked for an expression of their attitude in the event of the occurrence of an armed conflict. Moreover, more than 40 States members of the organisation, 20 of which are actually European, are taking no part in hostilities and are still in a state of relative peace. In belligerent and mobilised countries the war has increased the importance and urgency of labour questions and added new ones to them.

"The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Labour recently made statements on the cooperation of the Pritish Government with the International Labour Organisation. and approved of a decision by the governing body at its meeting in February. 19:i9. that in the event of war it should attempt to function as completely and efficiently as possible. "The International Labour Organisation has made a preliminary survey in order to adapt it* work to the new conditions arising out of the war. and this survey demonstrates the number and complexity of the social questions caused by the war and mobilisation. The organisation is also preparing objective information on labour problems to provide statesmen who will bear the responsibility of building a new and lasting world order with the full knowledge that they will need." Mr. Webb said the Government felt New Zealand would be shirking its duty if it failed to play its part in the solution of those problems.