A.—sc.

Considering that, of the measures advocated, the reduction of hours of work is of outstanding importance and has above all others engaged the attention of the International Labour Organization : Considering that, at the Eighteenth Session in 1934, the attempts to prepare and adopt a general Convention with a view to introducing the forty-hour week in all countries and in all industries were unsuccessful: Considering that at that time it appeared that more tangible results could be obtained if the question of the reduction of the working-week were considered separately for each industry : Considering that for that purpose a procedure was put into operation with a view to the adoption of Conventions covering several industries —for example, the iron and steel industry, the building industry, the coal-mining industry, glass-bottle works, public works, the textile industry, &c. : Considering that only two Conventions have been adopted—namely, those concerning public works and glass-bottle works : That, on the other hand, the attempts to arrive at the adoption of Conventions concerning the coal-mining industry, the iron and steel industry, and the building industry were unsuccessful: Considering that such a procedure entails more risks than tangible results and will require an incalculable number of years before a satisfactory solution is achieved : Considering that the economic situation and the attempts which have been made to deal with the question show clearly that efforts should be directed towards the adoption of a general Convention : But considering that the procedure already set in motion concerning the industries included in the agenda of the 1937 and 1938 Sessions should follow its course : Requests the Governing Body to examine the situation and to consider placing on the agenda of the next session of the Conference the question of the generalization of the reduction of hours of work in all economic activities which are not covered by the Conventions already adopted and those to be adopted by the Twenty-third Session of the Conference. This resolution was adopted.

Approximate Cost of Payer.—Preparation, not given; printing (615 copies, including illustrations), £95.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 937.

Price Is. 6:1.]

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