POLITICAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN (CONVENTION)

HC Deb 23 February 1955 vol 537 cc1265-6

27. Mr. Morley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when Great Britain proposes to sign and ratify the Convention on the Political Rights of Women.

Mr. Turton

It is not proposed that the United Kingdom should become a party to this Convention.

Mr. Morley

In view of the fact that this country was a pioneer in the granting of political rights to women, is it not rather regrettable that we have not signed this Convention when a number of other nations have done so?

Mr. Turton

It is not our practice to sign conventions unless we expect to be in a position to ratify them within a reasonable time. This particular Convention has certain articles in it which prevent us being able to conform to it.