asked the Minister of Labour which of the Conventions of the International Labour Office have been ratified by Germany, France and Belgium, respectively; and what was the date of the respective ratifications?

The countries named have not ratified any of the draft Conventions adopted by the International Labour Conference. I am, however, sending the hon. Member a copy of the "Official Bulletin" published by the International Labour Organisation, which contains a note upon the measures taken in these and other countries to give effect to the draft Conventions and recommendations so far adopted.

asked the Minister of Labour what countries have ratified the Washington Maternity Convention of the International Labour Conference; which of the ratifying countries has actually passed legislation to give effect to the convention; and whether he will arrange for this matter to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the International Labour Conference with a view to the consideration of any amendments to the Washington Convention which may conduce to a more general acceptance of some agreed measure of progress in this matter?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the very full written answer which I gave in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Harvey) on the 6th March. As to the third part of the question, I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health regarding the policy to be adopted by His Majesty's Government in connection with this draft Convention.

In order to get other countries to take some action, will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that this matter is raised again at the next-meeting of the International Labour Conference?

I can give a general assurance that, as far as the Government remains in office, it will do its best to forward the passing of all the Conventions that have been agreed upon, and to develop the International Labour Office as far as possible.