THE WORLD 393

nd Governing Body of the I.L.O. Each State is represented in

be Conference by four delegates, two for the Government, one

^r employers and one for employed. The Governing Body,

lected every three years, has 32 members; eight represent the

Itates of chief industrial importance—Britain, France, U.S.A.,

J.S.S.R., Canada, India, and, so far, Japan and Italy. Eight

lore are elected by the Government delegates to the Conference;

rhile the groups of workers* and employers* delegates each elect

ight. Provision is made for representation of non-European

tates in each section of the Governing Body. The International

,abour Office is the permanent staff of the Organisation.

The Governing Body decides what matters shall come before

le annual meeting of the Conference. When, for example,

sduction of hours of labour is to be discussed, the Office will

repare a report showing the hours now prevailing. If Conference

scides that it would be useful to draw up a Convention, the

ffice will collect opinions from Governments and lay these

sfore the meeting. Conference can, by a two-thirds majority

>te, "adopt" a Convention. This does not mean that Govern-

.ents are obliged to put the proposals into force; but they must

ing them to the attention of the Parliament, or whatever the

ivereign body in their States may be. If the sovereign body

prees, the Government will ratify the Convention and is then

>und by it. If, after ratification, a Government does not observe

e Convention, the Governing Body, in consultation with the

:cretary-General of the League, may appoint a Commission of

.quiry. In the last resort the trade of a defaulting State could be

ycotted, but, since no State need ratify unless it wishes, this

;apon is not likely to be used.

So the I.L.O. involves no sacrifice of Sovereignty; none the
is, many Conventions have been ratified. Conference discussions
; always vigorous and well-informed. The employers* and
>rkers' groups are frequently, but not always, at variance;
tong Government representatives there is much difference of
inion. Governments wishing to maintain high standards are