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2. Resolution concerning Statistics Whereas the proper collection, analysis, and interpretation of statistical data are important in the pursuit of progressive social and labour policies ; Whereas, for the co-ordination of such statistics, either on a regional or on an international basis, they must be collected and interpreted in accordance with common standards. Whereas the compilation of labour statistics is still in its early stages and requires to be developed, as far as practicable, along well-defined and internationally accepted lines; Whereas the statistical techniques to be used depend largely on the stage of social and economic evolution of the countries concerned, and suitable methods have to be devised to meet the requirements of Asian countries which are more or less similar ; and Whereas the conditions in Asian countries are such that a regional approach to the problem of compiling statistics on an adequate basis is likely to lead to fruitful results. The Conference requests the Governing Body to arrange, in consultation with Asian countries, for an early meeting of labour statisticians from Asian countries, together with such others as the Governing Body may invite, to survey the existing organization for the collection, analysis interpretation, and dissemination of statistical data relating to labour conditions in Asia, and to submit recommendations on the following points among others: — (a) The extent to which population censuses could be utilized for the collection of data regarding labour conditions ; (b) The need for evolving a system of comparable standard occupational classifications which can be integrated with international classifications; (c) The scope, method, and programme of statistical inquiries regarding the earnings, conditions of work, and cost of living of the worker ; (d) The technique to be adopted for collecting employment data in such wide fields as agriculture, unorganized industries, the distributive trades, &c., for which returns by individual undertakings may not be suitable ; (e) The measures necessary to enable Asian countries to ratify International Labour Convention No. 63 (1938) concerning statistics of wages and hours of work, within a brief period ; (/) The training of statistical staff for field investigations, and the compilation and interpretation of labour statistics.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (558 copies), £B5

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1948,

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