HC Deb 27 April 1944 vol 399 c912
15. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India why Indian workers' representatives at the present I.L.O. Conference are not drawn from the Indian T.U.C.; and whether the Indian T.U.C. were consulted in the matter.

Mr. Amery

The Constitution of the I.L.O. required the Government to accept the nomination of the most representative association of the workers. The Government of India made every effort to secure agreement between the Indian Federation of Labour and the Indian Trades Unions Council, which are the two main associations of trade unions in India. They were unsuccessful, and, in the issue, have accepted for the present conference the nominations of the Indian Federation of Labour. In accordance with the normal procedure, the conference, through its Credentials Committee, will review the position in consultation with the Indian Delegation.

Mr. Sorensen

Is not the Minister aware that the T.U.C. is recognised as being far more representative than the other bodies?

Mr. Amery

I think the Credentials Committee of the I.L.O. Conference will be able to consider that matter even better than I can.