HC Deb 01 July 1948 vol 452 c2369
54. Mrs. Middleton

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the Social Security Legislation, becoming operative in Britain on 5th July, fulfils, among other things, the conditions laid down in the Convention concerning the employment of women before and after childbirth, Washington, 1919, so far as this country is concerned, the Government is now prepared to ratify that Convention.

Mr. Isaacs

This is now under consideration.

Mrs. Middleton

While I thank my right hon. Friend for that assurance, may I ask him if he is aware how much the Members on this side of the House, and particularly the women Members, welcome the fact that legislation has now been passed which will enable us to adhere to this Convention; and, indeed, that a further step has been taken in that both domestic and agricultural workers are covered by it?

Mr. Isaacs

It is the desire of the Government to implement the Convention, but there are internal problems between ourselves and Northern Ireland which have to be straightened out.