asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether conditions of child labour in Japan are in accordance with the recommendations of the I.L.O.

Mr. McNeil:

Conditions at present are not in conformity with International Labour Organisation standards. In October, 1945, however, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers called upon the Japanese Government to give urgent attention to the improvement of conditions for child labour. Some improvements have already been made, and a Labour Standards Law, which is designed to ensure conditions in general conformity with those recommended by the International Labour Organisation, is now before the Diet.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if provision has been made for raising the age of entry into industry and safeguarding working conditions and sanitation in the factories in which children are employed?

Mr. McNeil:

Those latter general conditions are provided for. The age is raised to 15, except in such small industries as family undertakings.